NUTRIENT CYCLING: is the natural process through which nutrients move and are exchanged between the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of an ecosystem.

 NUTRIENT CYCLING: is the natural process through which nutrients move and are exchanged between the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of an ecosystem. This cycle ensures that essential elements like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and others are reused and remain available for organisms. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Uptake by Plants

Plants absorb nutrients (like nitrates, phosphates, potassium) from the soil through their roots.

These nutrients are used for growth, reproduction, and other metabolic processes.

2. Consumption

Herbivores eat the plants, obtaining the nutrients stored in plant tissues.

Carnivores then consume herbivores, transferring nutrients up the food chain.

3. Waste and Death

Organisms release waste or die, returning organic matter to the soil.

This matter includes dead plants, animals, and feces.

4. Decomposition

Decomposers like bacteria, fungi, and worms break down organic matter.

This process converts complex organic compounds into simpler forms.

5. Mineralization

Decomposition leads to mineralization, releasing inorganic nutrients like ammonium, phosphate, and others back into the soil.

6. Leaching and Losses

Some nutrients can be lost from the soil through leaching (washed away by water) or denitrification (conversion to gas).

However, many are reabsorbed by plants, continuing the cycle.

7. Human Impact

Activities like farming, deforestation, and pollution can alter nutrient cycles—either enhancing or disrupting them.

These cycles are critical for ecosystem stability and productivity. Major nutrient cycles include the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, phosphorus cycle, and water cycle, each interconnected with others.

~NGA AgroClimate Tech