Question

Differentiate between the following:

Gaseous and Sedimentary nutrient cycling

Answer 1

Basis of Difference	Gaseous nutrient cycle	Sedimentary nutrient cycle
Reservoir	The reservoir is the atmosphere or hydrosphere.	The reservoir is the lithosphere, that is, the earth's crust.
Major cycles	Carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen cycles are gaseous cycles.	Sulphur, calcium, and phosphorus cycles are sedimentary cycles.
Gaseous exchange	There is a large exchange of elements between organisms and the atmosphere.	Gaseous exchange between organisms and the environment is negligible.
Main input	Nutrients enter mainly through atmospheric processes such as rainfall and fixation.	Nutrients enter mainly through weathering of rocks and mineral deposits.
Cycling speed	Cycling is generally faster because the reservoir is readily available.	Cycling is slower because nutrients may remain locked in rocks and sediments.