Question

Draw a neat flow chart of the Nitrogen cycle. Briefly explain the various processes involved in the nitrogen cycle.

Answer 1

Processes involved in the nitrogen cycle are explained below:

1. Nitrogen Fixation:

1. Process: Conversion of atmospheric Nitrogen (inert) into reactive compounds.
2. Agents: Bacteria and Bluegreen algae (cyanobacteria), (microorganism), Rhizobium.
3. Occurrence: Root nodules of leguminous plants peas, beans, etc.

2. Nitrogen Assimilation:

1. Process: Plants absorb nitrate ions and made them into organic matter like proteins and nucleic acids.
2. Agents: Plants, animals.

3. Ammonification :

1. Process: Decomposition of nitrogenous waste into ammonium compounds.
2. Microorganism: Putrefying Bacteria, and fungi.
3. End Products: Urea, Uric acid (or) Ammonia.

4. Nitrification

1. Process: Ammonium compounds are oxidized to soluble nitrates.
2. Bacteria: Nitrification is caused by nitrifying bacteria.

5. Denitrification:

1. Process: Reduction of nitrate ions of soil into gaseous nitrogen which enters the atmosphere.
2. Bacteria: Pseudomonas sp.