Content:

5. 2.2 Nutrient Cycle in An Ecosystem

2.2 Nutrient Cycle In An Ecosystem Date :__________ 5

1. In an ecosystem, energy is transferred from one organism to another. This transfer
happens in a network of food which eventually leads to be the nutrients being returned
to the environment by the decomposer to be reused.
2. This cycle is called the nutrient cycle which is the cycle of non-organic chemical
elements including mineral sources in the soil, water, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and
carbon dioxide.

Water Cycle
1. Water is absorbed by roots of plants in the ground
and released into the atmosphere through
transpiration
2. Animals carry out respiration, defecation and
excretion (sweating and urination). All of these
increase the water content in the atmosphere.
3. Roots of plants hold the soil tightly and make the
structure of the soil more compact. This slows
down the flow of water underground and prevents
soil erosion.
4. Leaves that fall from trees and cover the surface of
the earth will reduce the rate of evaporation and
prevent the soil from becoming dry.

Carbon and Oxygen Cycle

1. Plants and animals carry out respiration which
uses oxygen and releases carbon dioxide.
2. The decay of dead plants and animals by
bacteria and fungi in the soil uses oxygen and
releases carbon dioxide.
3. Green plants maintain the content of carbon
dioxide and oxygen in the air through
photosynthesis which absorbs carbon dioxide
and releases oxygen.
2.2.1 Steps to solve Problems when there is an Interference to the nutrient
cycle

Human activities that disrupt the nutrient cycle

1. Unrestricted logging
2. Burning of fuels
3. Overconsumption of water resources

Step to solve inference to the nutrient cycle

1. Law enforcement by the government
2. Conducing campaigns
3. Providing formal and non-formal education

NUTRIENT CYCLE
PROBLEM WAYS TO OVERCOME
DISTURBANCES

❑ Increase of carbon ❑ Controlled logging

dioxide gas ❑ Replanting of trees
Unrestricted
❑ Decrease of oxygen gas ❑ Planned agricultural system
logging
❑ Depletion of water ❑ Planned agricultural systemTighten
catchment areas laws
❑ Use of public transport
Burning of fossil ❑ Increase of carbon ❑ Carpooling
fuels dioxide gas ❑ Use of unleaded petrol
❑ Use of renewable energy
Overconsuming of ❑ Decrease of water ❑ Store rain water for daily use such as
water resources supply to water plants and wash vehicles