nitrogen cycle Flashcards
(5 cards)
1
Q
What is the first step?
A
Nitrogen fixation, when the nitrogen in the atmosphere is fixed by bacteria in the soil into ammonium
2
Q
What is the second step?
A
Nitrification, the ammonium in the soil is turned into nitrates (Plants can use this)
3
Q
What is the third step?
A
The plants and animals that picked up this nitrogen die and are decomposed
4
Q
What is the fourth step?
A
Than there is ammonification, when the decomposers return the ammonium to the soil
5
Q
What can happen instead of the plant picking up nitrogen?
A
Dentification, when denitrifying bacteria releases this nitrates back into the atmosphere
