Nitrogen Cycle Flashcards
(3 cards)
Role of bacteria in nitrogen cycle
- nitrogen fixing bacteria
- (nitrogen fixation) nitrogen gas to ammonia
- nitrifying bacteria
- (nitrification) ammonia to nitrite to nitrate
- denitrifying bacteria
- (denitrification) nitrate to nitrogen gas
- decomposing bacteria
- decompose dead organisms
- and release ammonia
Role of microorganisms in converting organic waste to nitrates
- decomposers…
- like bacteria
- convert organic waste to ammonia (ammonification)
- nitrification: ammonium to nitrite AND THEN nitrite converted to nitrate…
- by nitrifying bacteria
How does burning biomass return nitrogen to atmosphere
- biomass contains proteins / DNA
- compounds which contain nitrogen (essentially)
- combustion produce nitrous oxides