Group 9

Members: Javed Mustafer

Leshana Talmakund
Class: Grade 10 Arts
Subject: Agricultural Science
Topic: The Carbon and Nitrogen Cycle
Teacher: Ms. Lindie
DEFINATION OF THE CARBON CYCLE
The carbon cycle is defined as the process in
which carbon atoms continually travel from the
atmosphere to the Earth and back to the
atmosphere. It also shows how carbon and
carbon compounds are linked to natural
processes and products.
 Processes of the Carbon Cycle

There are three processes of the carbon cycle.

These are:
● Photosynthesis
● Respiration
● Decomposition
In the process of photosynthesis, plants use
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere which is
used to manufacture simple sugar. The simple
sugar is then built up in the plant to produce
carbohydrates, lipids and proteins which is then
consumed by humans and animals.
Carbon compounds release energy
which living organisms need to survive
through respiration. Carbon dioxide is a
waste product of respiration and is
released into the atmosphere by
humans. Plants use this waste product to
manufacture their own food.
In decomposition, micro organisms
digest the waste products from animal
urine, faeces and crop residue. These
products provide energy and carbon
dioxide is released into the air from their
respiration.
DEFINITION OF THE NITROGEN CYCLE
Nitrogen from the air is converted into soluble
ions that plant roots absorb. It forms apart of the
nitrogen compounds in plants and is then passed
from one organism to the next. It is then returned
to the atmosphere as nitrogen gas. This process
is known as the Nitrogen Cycle.
Nitrogen is said to be essential for
I

producing plants and animals proteins.

Approximately 79% of the Earth's
atmosphere is made up of Nitrogen gas.
Processes of the Nitrogen Cycle
There are four processes of the nitrogen
cycle. These include:
● Nitrogen Fixation
● Nitrogen Ammonification
● Nitrogen Nitrification
● Nitrogen Denitrification
NITROGEN
FIXATION
About 79% of the atmosphere is nitrogen
gas. However, nitrogen is too unreactive
to be used directly by plants to make
proteins. It must be converted into soluble
ions, such as nitrates, by nitrogen fixing
bacteria in the root nodules. Lightning can
also convert nitrogen gas to nitrates.
NITROGEN
AMMONIFICATION
Ammonification is the process of
decaying. The decomposers break
down the proteins in dead
organisms and animal waste.
Ammonium ions are released
through this process which
nitrifying bacteria can convert into
nitrates for plants to absorb.
NITROGEN
NITRIFICATION
Nitrification is a two step process carried
out by nitrifying bacteria. Nitrifying bacteria
is the organic matter from the remains of
plants, animals, urine and feaces.
Ammonium ions are converted to nitrites
and then to nitrates which plants roots
take in to make proteins.
NITROGEN
DENITRIFICATION
Denitrification is the process by
which nitrates are reduced to
nitrogen gas by denitrifying
bacteria. Denitrifying bacteria
obtain their energy through this
process.
Image showing the
Nitrogen Cycle
References
M.Perrett-Pearson, R. Ramharacksingh. 2020.
Agricultural Science for CSEC Examinations

NOAA. 2021. National Ocean Service

2020. The British Broadcasting Corporation