Importance of Nitrogen Cycle

The importance of the nitrogen cycle are as follows:

1. Helps plants to synthesise chlorophyll from the nitrogen compounds.
2. Helps in converting inert nitrogen gas into a usable form for the plants through the
biochemical process.
3. In the process of ammonification, the bacteria help in decomposing the animal and
plant matter, which indirectly helps to clean up the environment.
4. Nitrates and nitrites are released into the soil, which helps in enriching the soil with
the necessary nutrients required for cultivation.
5. Nitrogen is an integral component of the cell and it forms many crucial compounds
and important biomolecules.
Nitrogen is also cycled by human activities such as the combustion of fuels and the use of
nitrogen fertilisers. These processes increase the levels of nitrogen-containing compounds in
the atmosphere. The fertilisers containing nitrogen are washed away in lakes, rivers and result
in eutrophication.

Conclusion
 Nitrogen is abundant in the atmosphere, but it is unusable to plants or animals unless
it is converted into nitrogen compounds.
 Nitrogen-fixing bacteria play a crucial role in fixing atmospheric nitrogen into
nitrogen compounds that can be used by plants.
 The plants absorb the usable nitrogen compounds from the soil through their roots.
Then, these nitrogen compounds are used for the production of proteins and other
compounds in the plant cell.
 Animals assimilate nitrogen by consuming these plants or other animals that contain
nitrogen. Humans consume proteins from these plants and animals. The nitrogen then
assimilates into our body system.
 During the final stages of the nitrogen cycle, bacteria and fungi help decompose
organic matter, where the nitrogenous compounds get dissolved into the soil which is
again used by the plants.
 Some bacteria then convert these nitrogenous compounds in the soil and turn it into
nitrogen gas. Eventually, it goes back to the atmosphere.
 These sets of processes repeat continuously and thus maintain the percentage of
nitrogen in the atmosphere.
Nitrogen Cycle Explained – Stages of Nitrogen Cycle
Process of the Nitrogen Cycle consists of the following steps – Nitrogen
fixation, Nitrification, Assimilation, Ammonification and Denitrification. These processes
take place in several stages and are explained below:
 Nitrogen Fixation Process
 It is the initial step of the nitrogen cycle. Here, Atmospheric nitrogen (N 2) which is
primarily available in an inert form, is converted into the usable form -ammonia
(NH3).
 During the process of Nitrogen fixation, the inert form of nitrogen gas is deposited
into soils from the atmosphere and surface waters, mainly through precipitation.
 The entire process of Nitrogen fixation is completed by symbiotic bacteria, which are
known as Diazotrophs. Azotobacter and Rhizobium also have a major role in this
process. These bacteria consist of a nitrogenase enzyme, which has the capability to
combine gaseous nitrogen with hydrogen to form ammonia.
 Nitrogen fixation can occur either by atmospheric fixation- which involves lightening,
or industrial fixation by manufacturing ammonia under high temperature and pressure
conditions. This can also be fixed through man-made processes, primarily industrial
processes that create ammonia and nitrogen-rich fertilisers.
Types of Nitrogen Fixation
1. Atmospheric fixation: A natural phenomenon where the energy of lightning breaks
the nitrogen into nitrogen oxides, which are then used by plants.
2. Industrial nitrogen fixation: It is a man-made alternative that aids in nitrogen
fixation by the use of ammonia. Ammonia is produced by the direct combination of
nitrogen and hydrogen. Later, it is converted into various fertilisers such as urea.
3. Biological nitrogen fixation: We already know that nitrogen is not used directly from
the air by plants and animals. Bacteria like Rhizobium and blue-green algae transform
the unusable form of nitrogen into other compounds that are more readily usable.
These nitrogen compounds get fixed in the soil by these microbes.

Also Read: Nitrogen Fixation And Nitrogen Metabolism

Nitrification
In this process, the ammonia is converted into nitrate by the presence of bacteria in the
soil. Nitrites are formed by the oxidation of ammonia with the help of Nitrosomonas bacteria
species. Later, the produced nitrites are converted into nitrates by Nitrobacter. This
conversion is very important as ammonia gas is toxic for plants.
The reaction involved in the process of Nitrification is as follows:
2NH3 + 3O2 → 2NO2– + 2H+ + 2H2O
2NO2– + O2 → 2NO3–

Assimilation
Primary producers – plants take in the nitrogen compounds from the soil with the help of
their roots, which are available in the form of ammonia, nitrite ions, nitrate ions or
ammonium ions and are used in the formation of the plant and animal proteins. This way, it
enters the food web when the primary consumers eat the plants.
Ammonification
When plants or animals die, the nitrogen present in the organic matter is released back into
the soil. The decomposers, namely bacteria or fungi present in the soil, convert the
organic matter back into ammonium. This process of decomposition produces ammonia,
which is further used for other biological processes.

Denitrification
Denitrification is the process in which the nitrogen compounds make their way back into the
atmosphere by converting nitrate (NO3-) into gaseous nitrogen (N). This process of the
nitrogen cycle is the final stage and occurs in the absence of oxygen. Denitrification is carried
out by the denitrifying bacterial species- Clostridium and Pseudomonas, which will process
nitrate to gain oxygen and gives out free nitrogen gas as a byproduct.

Nitrogen Cycle in Marine Ecosystem

The process of the nitrogen cycle occurs in the same manner in the marine ecosystem as in
the terrestrial ecosystem. The only difference is that it is carried out by marine bacteria.
The nitrogen-containing compounds fall into the ocean as sediments get compressed over
long periods and form sedimentary rock. Due to the geological uplift, these sedimentary
rocks move to land. Initially, it was not known that these nitrogen-containing sedimentary
rocks are an essential source of nitrogen. But, recent researches have proved that the nitrogen
from these rocks is released into the plants due to the weathering of rocks.
WHAT IS NITROGEN CYCLE REALLY IS?
The nitrogen cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which nitrogen is converted into
multiple chemical forms as it circulates among atmospheric, terrestrial, and marine
ecosystems. The conversion of nitrogen can be carried out through both biological and
physical processes. Important processes in the nitrogen cycle
include fixation, ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification. The majority of Earth's
atmosphere (78%) is atmospheric nitrogen,[16] making it the largest source of nitrogen.
However, atmospheric nitrogen has limited availability for biological use, leading to
a scarcity of usable nitrogen in many types of ecosystems.
Global cycling of reactive nitrogen
including industrial fertilizer production,
nitrogen fixed by natural ecosystems, nitrogen
fixed by oceans, nitrogen fixed by agricultural
crops, NOx emitted by biomass burning,
NOx emitted from soil, nitrogen fixed by
lightning, NH3 emitted by terrestrial
ecosystems, deposition of nitrogen to terrestrial
surfaces and oceans, NH3 emitted from
oceans, ocean NO2 emissions from the
atmosphere, denitrification in oceans, and
reactive nitrogen burial in oceans.
The nitrogen cycle is of particular interest to ecologists because nitrogen availability
can affect the rate of key ecosystem processes, including primary
production and decomposition. Human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, use of
artificial nitrogen fertilizers, and release of nitrogen in wastewater have dramatically altered
the global nitrogen cycle.

Processes
Nitrogen is present in the environment in a wide variety of chemical forms including
organic nitrogen, ammonium (NH+4), nitrite (NO−2), nitrate (NO−3), nitrous
oxide (N2O), nitric oxide (NO) or inorganic nitrogen gas (N2). Organic nitrogen may be in the
form of a living organism, humus or in the intermediate products of organic matter
decomposition. The processes in the nitrogen cycle is to transform nitrogen from one form to
another. Many of those processes are carried out by microbes, either in their effort to harvest
energy or to accumulate nitrogen in a form needed for their growth. For example,
the nitrogenous wastes in animal urine are broken down by nitrifying bacteria in the soil to be
used by plants. The diagram alongside shows how these processes fit together to form the
nitrogen cycle.
THE IMPORTANCE
The nitrogen cycle is crucial because it
allows nitrogen, an essential element
for life, to be converted into usable
forms for plants and animals,
supporting the growth of ecosystems
and food production.
 Nitrogen's Importance:
Nitrogen is a key component of proteins, DNA, and RNA, which are essential for all living
organisms.
 Nitrogen Cycle's Role:
The nitrogen cycle facilitates the movement of nitrogen between the atmosphere, soil, water,
and living organisms.

Nitrogen Cycle Explained – Stages of Nitrogen Cycle

Process of the Nitrogen Cycle consists of the following steps – Nitrogen
fixation, Nitrification, Assimilation, Ammonification and Denitrification. These processes
take place in several stages and are explained below:

Nitrogen Fixation Process

It is the initial step of the nitrogen cycle. Here, Atmospheric nitrogen (N 2) which is
primarily available in an inert form, is converted into the usable form -ammonia (NH3).
During the process of Nitrogen fixation, the inert form of nitrogen gas is deposited into soils
from the atmosphere and surface waters, mainly through precipitation.
The entire process of Nitrogen fixation is completed by symbiotic bacteria, which are
known as Diazotrophs. Azotobacter and Rhizobium also have a major role in this process.
These bacteria consist of a nitrogenase enzyme, which has the capability to combine gaseous
nitrogen with hydrogen to form ammonia.
Nitrogen fixation can occur either by atmospheric fixation- which involves lightening,
or industrial fixation by manufacturing ammonia under high temperature and pressure
conditions. This can also be fixed through man-made processes, primarily industrial
processes that create ammonia and nitrogen-rich fertilisers.

https://cdn1.byjus.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Nitrogen-Fixation.jpg

THE BENEFITS OF NITROGEN CYCLE

  The nitrogen cycle is crucial because it enables the transformation of atmospheric
nitrogen into usable forms for plants and animals, essential for building proteins and
DNA, and maintaining ecosystem health and productivity.
More detailed explanation:
 Nitrogen's Importance:
Nitrogen is a vital element for all living organisms, forming part of proteins, nucleic acids
(DNA and RNA), and chlorophyll (essential for photosynthesis in plants).
 The Cycle's Role:
The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen moves between the atmosphere, soil,
water, and living organisms.

 Key Processes:
o Nitrogen Fixation: Atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into usable forms
like ammonia (NH3) and ammonium (NH4+) by bacteria and lightning.
o Nitrification: Bacteria convert ammonia into nitrite (NO2-) and then into
nitrate (NO3-), a form readily absorbed by plants.
o Assimilation: Plants absorb nitrates and ammonium from the soil and use
them to build proteins and other organic molecules.
o Ammonification: When plants and animals die, decomposers break down
their organic matter, releasing ammonia back into the soil.
o Denitrification: Certain bacteria convert nitrates back into atmospheric
nitrogen, completing the cycle.
 Ecosystem Benefits:
o Plant Growth: The nitrogen cycle ensures that plants have access to the
nitrogen they need for growth and development.
o Soil Fertility: The cycle contributes to healthy soil by providing essential
nutrients for plant growth.
o Food Chain Support: Nitrogen is passed through the food chain as plants are
eaten by animals, making it essential for the entire ecosystem.
 Environmental Significance:
 Understanding the nitrogen cycle is crucial for sustainable agriculture, managing
water quality, and mitigating the impacts of human activities on the environment.
THE EXISTANCE OF NITROGEN
 Nitrogen, a colorless, odorless gas, constitutes about 78% of Earth's atmosphere and is
crucial for life, existing in various forms (like N2, ammonia, nitrate) and playing a
vital role in the nitrogen cycle.

The nitrogen cycle is the system by

which nitrogen is converted into
different chemical forms, some usable to
humans and animals and some not, as it
circulates among the atmosphere, the
land and the oceans.

Abundance and Forms:

 Atmospheric Nitrogen:
Nitrogen gas (N2) is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere, making up approximately 78%
of the air we breathe.
 Other Forms:
Nitrogen also exists in various other forms, including:
 Ammonia (NH3): A compound formed when nitrogen combines with
hydrogen.
 Nitrates (NO3-): Found in soil and water, these are a key form of nitrogen
that plants can absorb.
 Nitrites (NO2-): Another form of nitrogen found in soil and water.
 Organic Nitrogen: Nitrogen is a key component of proteins, DNA, and other
essential organic molecules in living organisms.
The Nitrogen Cycle:
 Importance:
The nitrogen cycle is a crucial process that transforms nitrogen from one form to another,
allowing it to be used by living organisms.
 Key Processes:
The cycle involves several key processes:
 Nitrogen Fixation: Some bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into
usable forms like ammonia (NH3).
 Nitrification: Bacteria convert ammonia into nitrates (NO3-).
 Assimilation: Plants absorb nitrates and ammonia from the soil, which are
then used to build proteins and other organic molecules.
 Ammonification: When plants and animals die, their organic matter
decomposes, releasing nitrogen in the form of ammonia.
 Denitrification: Certain bacteria convert nitrates back into atmospheric
nitrogen (N2).
Significance for Life:
 Essential Nutrient:
Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for all living organisms, including plants and animals.
 Building Block of Life:
It is a key component of proteins, DNA, and other essential biomolecules.
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW!

 NITROGEN as key to life!

 Nitrogen is a fundamental element for life, crucial for building proteins, DNA,
and chlorophyll, and its cycling through the environment is essential for sustaining
ecosystems and plant growth.
Here's a more detailed explanation of why nitrogen is so important:
1. Essential for building blocks of life:
Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of
proteins, and nucleic acids, which form DNA and RNA.
2. Crucial for plant growth:
Plants need nitrogen to produce chlorophyll, the pigment that allows them to
photosynthesize and convert sunlight into energy.
3. Nitrogen cycle:
The nitrogen cycle describes how nitrogen moves through the atmosphere, soil,
plants, animals, and back into the atmosphere.
4. Nitrogen fixation:
While nitrogen is abundant in the atmosphere, most organisms cannot directly use it
in its gaseous form (N2). Special bacteria and archaea convert atmospheric nitrogen
into usable forms like ammonia (NH3) through a process called nitrogen fixation.
5. Nitrogen in the food we eat:
Nitrogen is essential for plant growth, which is why it is a key component of the food
we eat.
6. Nitrogen in the air we breathe:
Nitrogen makes up about 78% of our atmosphere, and it is essential for life.
This figure is showing the process of cycle.

1
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Nitrogen as key to life

 Existence of the cycle
 Benefits
 The imortance
 What is Nitrogen Cycle
 Stages
 In Marine Ecosystem
 Importance
 Conclusion
TOPIC BACKGROUND

The nitrogen cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which nitrogen is converted

into multiple chemical forms as it circulates among atmospheric, terrestrial, and marine
ecosystems. The conversion of nitrogen can be carried out through both biological and
physical processes. Nitrogen is one of the primary nutrients critical for the survival of all
living organisms. Although nitrogen is very abundant in the atmosphere, it is largely
inaccessible in this form to most organisms.
This article explores how nitrogen becomes available to organisms and what
changes in nitrogen levels as a result of human activity means to local and global ecosystems.
Nitrogen is one of the primary nutrients critical for the survival of all living organisms. It is a
necessary component of many biomolecules, including proteins, DNA, and chlorophyll.
Although nitrogen is very abundant in the atmosphere as dinitrogen gas (N 2), it is largely
inaccessible in this form to most organisms, making nitrogen a scarce resource and often
limiting primary productivity in many ecosystems. Only when nitrogen is converted from
dinitrogen gas into ammonia (NH3) does it become available to primary producers, such as
plants.
In addition to N2 and NH3, nitrogen exists in many different forms, including both
inorganic (e.g., ammonia, nitrate) and organic (e.g., amino and nucleic acids) forms. Thus,
nitrogen undergoes many different transformations in the ecosystem, changing from one form
to another as organisms use it for growth and, in some cases, energy. The major
transformations of nitrogen are nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, anammox, and
ammonification (Figure 1). The transformation of nitrogen into its many oxidation states is
key to productivity in the biosphere and is highly dependent on the activities of a diverse
assemblage of microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi.