Nitrogen- the most abundant element in the atmosphere (78 percentage)

Nitrogen Cycle – process in which nitrogen is converted from its inert atmospheric molecular form
into a form that is useful in biological processes

Stages of Nitrogen Cycle:

1. Nitrogen Fixation-
a. Biological process- nitrogen undergoes a set of changes: its two nitrogen atoms
separate and combine with hydrogen to form ammonia (done by microorganisms)
b. High energy fixation - occurs primarily as lighting strikes converting atmospheric
nitrogen into ammonia and nitrates.
c. Man-made - primarily industrial processes

2. Nitrification- nitrogen taken up by plants is converted by bacteria from ammonia into nitrite
and then into nitrate.

3. Ammonification - nitrogen in the organic matter re-enters the soil where it is broken down by
decomposers; decomposition produces ammonia

4. Nitrogen Assimilation - Nitrogen compounds in various forms are then used in the formation
of plant and animal proteins

5. Denitrification - Nitrogen makes its way back into the atmosphere; nitrate is converted back to
gaseous nitrogen