NITROGEN CYCLE

Basics of the Nitrogen Cycle

100

This cycle describes how nitrogen moves through the air, soil, and living things.

the nitrogen cycle

200

This element is essential for plants to grow and is cycled through the environment.

nitrogen

300

Plants absorb this form of nitrogen from the soil.

nitrate

400

This process returns nitrogen from dead plants and animals to the soil.

decomposition

500

This gas makes up about 78% of the air we breathe but needs to be "fixed" to be used by plants.

nitrogen gas

Nitrogen Cycle Steps

100

The first step in the nitrogen cycle, where bacteria change nitrogen gas into a form plants can use.

nitrogen fixation

200

This step converts ammonia into nitrate in the soil.

nitrification

300

This process breaks down waste and dead matter to release nitrogen back into the soil.

ammonification

400

This is the final step of the nitrogen cycle, where nitrogen goes back into the air.

denitrification

500

In this step, animals get nitrogen by eating plants.

consumption

Nitrogen in Nature

100

This colorless gas makes up most of Earth's atmosphere.

nitrogen

200

Plants need nitrogen from the soil to make this part of their cells.

proteins

300

Bacteria in the roots of these plants help fix nitrogen.

legumes (like beans and peas)

400

This natural event, like lightning, helps convert nitrogen into a form plants can use.

lightning

500

Nitrogen is found in this blue-green bacteria in oceans and lakes.

cyanobacteria

Importance of Nitrogen

100

Nitrogen is important for the growth of these green organisms.

plants

200

Nitrogen is an essential part of this molecule that builds muscles in animals.

proteins

300

Farmers add nitrogen to this to help plants grow.

fertilizer

400

Nitrogen helps plants grow, which supports this entire network of life.

food chain/web

500

Plants that grow well with nitrogen support this human activity.

farming or agriculture

Protecting the Nitrogen Cycle

100

Limiting this type of pollution from cars helps protect the nitrogen cycle.

air pollution

200

This practice helps farmers avoid adding too much nitrogen to the soil.

responsible fertilizing

300

Treating this waste from homes before releasing it into rivers helps keep nitrogen levels balanced.

sewage

400

This action you can take helps reduce nitrogen pollution in the air.

walking or biking instead of driving

500

This term describes companies or individuals that care about protecting the environment.

sustainability