2. The nitrogen cycle is a series of processes that convert nitrogen gas to
organic substances and back to nitrogen in nature. It is a repeated cycle
that is maintained by the decomposers and nitrogen bacteria.
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3. Ammonification(Decay)
โข This is certain soil bacteria and fungi
e.g. ammonifying bacteria โ that break
down proteins in dead organisms and
animal wastes, releasing ammonium
ions.
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4. Nitrification
โข This is a two-step process that is carried out by the
nitrifying bacteria. Ammonia or ammonium ions
are oxidized first to nitrites and then to nitrates.
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5. Denitrification
โข Is the bacterial or other microbial process
in which nitrates and nitrites are reduced or
removed from soil, water, or air by their
conversion into nitrogenous gases
.
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6. There are three types of Nitrogen fixation:
Atmospheric fixation - this occurs spontaneously due to
lightning. Only a small amount is fixed this way.
Industrial fixation - the Haber process which involves the
combination N2 and H is used to make nitrogen
fertilizers.
Biological fixation โ Is the transformation the unusable
form of nitrogen into other compounds that are more
readily usable.
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7. 7
โข Helps plants to synthesize chlorophyll from the nitrogen
compounds.
โข Helps in converting inert nitrogen gas into a usable form for
the plants through the biochemical process.
โข In the process of ammonification, the bacteria help in
decomposing the animal and plant matter, which indirectly
helps to clean up the environment.
โข Nitrates and nitrites are released into the soil, which helps in
enriching the soil with the necessary nutrients required for
cultivation.
โข Nitrogen is an integral component of the cell and it forms
many crucial compounds and important biomolecules.