Nitrification is the conversion of ammonia into nitrites and then nitrates by bacteria in the soil. This process adds usable forms of nitrogen to the soil, which plants need to grow. Nitrification is a key step in the nitrogen cycle, helping to recycle nutrients and support plant growth in ecosystems.
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The process is called nitrogen fixation. Bacteria in the soil convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which plants can then use as a nutrient. Lightning can also contribute to this process by converting nitrogen gas into nitrates that can be absorbed by plants.
Humans contribute nitrogen and phosphorus to water through activities like agriculture (fertilizers), sewage discharges, and industrial activities. These nutrients can run off into water bodies from fields, sewage treatment plants, and factories, leading to nutrient pollution which can cause harmful algal blooms and disrupt ecosystems. Implementing better management practices and reducing nutrient inputs can help minimize this impact.
Some types of bacteria, like Rhizobium and Azotobacter, can convert nitrogen gas from the air into a usable form for plants through a process called nitrogen fixation. Other bacteria, like Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, convert ammonium into nitrites and nitrates in a process called nitrification. These bacteria play crucial roles in the nitrogen cycle, facilitating nutrient availability for plants.
Liquid fertilizer can contribute to water pollution if it runs off into nearby water bodies, leading to nutrient imbalances that can harm aquatic ecosystems. Excessive application of liquid fertilizer can also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions such as nitrous oxide, which can contribute to climate change. Proper management and application practices can help minimize these environmental impacts.
When nitrogen is returned to the soil through the decomposition of dead plants, the interaction is primarily between the biosphere (dead plants) and the geosphere (soil). The nitrogen is cycled through these two spheres as part of nutrient recycling in ecosystems.