NUTRIENT CYCLE

A nutrient cycle is defined as the cyclic pathway by which nutrients pass-through, in order to
be recycled and reutilised. The pathway comprises cells, organisms, community and
ecosystem.

Nutrients consumed by plants and animals are returned to the environment after death and
decomposition and the cycle continues.

Soil microbes play an important role in nutrient recycling. They decompose organic matter to
release nutrients. They are also important to trap and transform nutrients into the soil, which
can be taken up by plant roots.

Nutrient cycling rate depends on various biotic, physical and chemical factors.

Examples of a nutrient cycle: carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle, oxygen cycle, etc.

Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycle

How nutrient cycling differs from energy flow?

The energy flow refers to the transfer of energy from one trophic level to another in the food
chain and food web. It is unidirectional and energy is lost from one trophic level to another in
the form of heat. Sunlight is the ultimate energy source.

Nutrient cycling is a cyclic process that encompasses the movement of nutrients from the
physical environment to living organisms and back to the environment. Nutrients are present
on the earth where they are recycled, transformed into different forms and reutilized.

Nutrient Cycle Examples

Nutrient recycling involves both biotic and abiotic components. The main abiotic components
are air, water, soil.

Recycling of Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Oxygen occurs in water, air and soil, whereas
calcium, phosphorus, potassium, etc. are recycled mainly in soil and are available locally.

The 4 main nutrient cycles are:

1.Carbon Cycle

Carbon is the main constituent of all the living cells. All the organic matter and biomolecules
contain carbon.

Carbon Cycle
Carbon is present mainly as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere

There is a continuous exchange of carbon between biotic and abiotic components by the
process of photosynthesis and respiration

Atmospheric carbon dioxide is fixed by plants in the process of photosynthesis

All the living organisms release carbon dioxide during respiration

Carbon is released into the atmosphere by burning of fossil fuels and auto emissions

Organic carbon from dead and decaying organisms and waste products is released into the
atmosphere after decomposition

2. Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen is also an essential component of life. Nitrogen cannot be directly utilised by living
organisms and has to be converted to other forms.

Nitrogen Cycle

By the process of nitrogen fixation, nitrogen-fixing bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen to

ammonia and nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia to nitrate. It is then taken up by plants

Atmospheric nitrogen is converted to nitrates directly by lightning and assimilated by plants

Decomposers break down proteins and amino acids of dead and decaying organic matters
and waste product

Denitrifying bacteria convert ammonia and nitrates to nitrogen and nitrous oxide by the
process of denitrification. In this way, nitrogen is released back into the atmosphere

NUTRIENT CYCLING IN NATURE

Nutrient cycling in nature refers to the movement and exchange of essential elements, such as carbon,
nitrogen, phosphorus, and other minerals, through various biological, geological, and chemical
processes within ecosystems. These cycles involve the uptake, utilization, and recycling of nutrients by
living organisms, contributing to the balance and sustainability of ecosystems.

Process of Nutrient Cycling in Nature

Decomposition: Dead organic matter is broken down by decomposers (bacteria, fungi), releasing
nutrients into the soil.

Mineralization: Decomposers convert organic nutrients into inorganic forms (e.g., ammonium), making
them available for plant uptake.
Nutrient Uptake by Plants: Plants absorb nutrients from the soil for growth and development.

Consumption and Trophic Levels: Organisms at higher trophic levels consume plants or other animals,
incorporating nutrients into their bodies.

Excretion and Waste Decomposition: Animals excrete waste containing nutrients. Decomposers break
down these wastes, releasing more nutrients.

Leaching and Runoff: Excess nutrients in the soil can be leached into groundwater or carried away by
runoff, affecting nutrient availability.

Denitrification: Certain bacteria convert nitrates in the soil back into nitrogen gas, completing the
nitrogen cycle.

Importance of Nutrient Cycling

Nutrient cycling sustains life by ensuring a continuous supply of essential elements for plant growth and
ecosystem functioning.

Balanced nutrient cycles maintain ecosystem health, supporting diverse plant and animal communities.

Cycling replenishes soil nutrients, promoting fertility and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Proper nutrient cycling minimizes nutrient runoff, preserving water quality in rivers and lakes.

Nutrient cycles, especially the carbon cycle, play a role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels
and influencing climate.

Nutrient availability contributes to diverse habitats, fostering biodiversity within ecosystems.

Nutrient cycling influences the availability of essential nutrients for food crops, impacting human
nutrition.

Nutrient cycling is integral to the flow of energy through ecosystems, supporting food webs and
ecological processes.

Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle is a natural process that involves the movement of carbon through the Earth's
atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. It is a crucial component of life on Earth and includes the
following key processes:

Photosynthesis: Plants, algae, and some bacteria absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere
during photosynthesis, converting it into organic compounds like glucose.

Respiration: Organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, release carbon dioxide back into
the atmosphere through respiration as they break down organic compounds to obtain energy.
Decomposition: Dead plants and animals are broken down by decomposers (bacteria, fungi), releasing
carbon back into the soil.

Combustion: The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) releases carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere. This process is a significant contributor to the increased concentration of CO2.

Ocean Absorption: Oceans act as a large carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
This absorption is essential for regulating atmospheric CO2 levels.

Carbonate Formation: Marine organisms, such as coral and shellfish, extract carbon from the water to
form calcium carbonate, which contributes to the carbon stored in ocean sediments.

Fossilization: Over geological time, organic matter can become fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas,
locking carbon away from the active carbon cycle.

Deforestation and Land-Use Changes: Human activities, such as deforestation and changes in land use,
can impact the carbon cycle by altering the balance between carbon uptake and release.

The Nitrogen cycle

The nitrogen cycle is a natural process that transforms nitrogen through various forms in the
environment. It involves nitrogen fixation by bacteria, nitrification, denitrification, and assimilation by
plants. This cycle plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nitrogen in ecosystems, supporting
plant growth and sustaining life.

The oxygen cycle

The oxygen cycle is a biogeochemical process that involves the movement of oxygen through different
components of the Earth's ecosystem. It includes processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and
decomposition. Plants and algae produce oxygen during photosynthesis, which is then released into the
atmosphere. Animals, including humans, utilize oxygen through respiration, releasing carbon dioxide.
Decomposition of organic matter also plays a role in returning nutrients and oxygen to the environment.
This cycle helps maintain the balance of oxygen in the atmosphere, crucial for supporting life.

The water cycle

The water cycle also known as the hydrologic cycle is a continuous process where water evaporates
from the Earth's surface, forms clouds in the atmosphere, falls as precipitation, and eventually returns
to bodies of water through runoff or infiltration, completing the cycle as described in the diagram below.

Tolerance

In the ecosystem, tolerance refers to the ability of species to endure or thrive in a range of
environmental conditions. Biodiversity often depends on the tolerance of different species to various
factors like temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels. This adaptability contributes to the stability and
resilience of ecosystems.:
Definition of Nutrient Cycle

A nutrient cycle is the process by which nutrients are exchanged between the environment, living
organisms, and the atmosphere. Nutrient cycles involve the movement of nutrients through ecosystems,
ensuring that nutrients are available for plant growth and other biological processes.

Classification of Nutrient Cycles

Nutrient cycles can be classified into two main types:

1. *Gaseous Nutrient Cycles*: These cycles involve the exchange of nutrients between the atmosphere
and living organisms. Examples include the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and oxygen cycle.

2. *Sedimentary Nutrient Cycles*: These cycles involve the exchange of nutrients between the
environment and living organisms through sedimentation and weathering. Examples include the
phosphorus cycle and the sulfur cycle.

Types of Nutrient Cycles

Here are some of the major nutrient cycles:

1. *Carbon Cycle*: The carbon cycle involves the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans,
land, and living organisms.

2. *Nitrogen Cycle*: The nitrogen cycle involves the conversion of nitrogen between its various forms,
including nitrogen gas, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.

3. *Oxygen Cycle*: The oxygen cycle involves the exchange of oxygen between the atmosphere and
living organisms.

4. *Phosphorus Cycle*: The phosphorus cycle involves the exchange of phosphorus between the
environment and living organisms.

5. *Sulfur Cycle*: The sulfur cycle involves the exchange of sulfur between the environment and living
organisms.

Diagrams of Nutrient Cycles

Here are some diagrams illustrating the different nutrient cycles:

1. *Carbon Cycle Diagram*:

Atmosphere → Photosynthesis → Plants → Respiration → Decomposition → Fossil Fuels → Combustion

→ Atmosphere
1. *Nitrogen Cycle Diagram*:

Atmosphere → Nitrogen Fixation → Ammonia → Nitrite → Nitrate → Assimilation → Ammonification →

Denitrification → Atmosphere

1. *Oxygen Cycle Diagram*:

Atmosphere → Photosynthesis → Plants → Respiration → Decomposition → Fossil Fuels → Combustion

→ Atmosphere

1. *Phosphorus Cycle Diagram*:

Rock → Weathering → Soil → Plants → Decomposition → Fossil Fuels → Sedimentation → Rock

1. *Sulfur Cycle Diagram*:

Atmosphere → Sulfur Dioxide → Plants → Decomposition → Fossil Fuels → Combustion → Sulfuric Acid
→ Soil → Plants

These diagrams illustrate the complex interactions between the environment, living organisms, and the
atmosphere in nutrient cycles.

Importance of Nutrient Cycles

Nutrient cycles play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance and supporting life on Earth. They:

1. *Regulate Ecosystem Processes*: Nutrient cycles regulate ecosystem processes such as primary
production, decomposition, and nutrient availability.

2. *Support Plant Growth*: Nutrient cycles provide essential nutrients for plant growth, which in turn
supports food chains and ecosystems.
3. *Maintain Soil Fertility*: Nutrient cycles help maintain soil fertility by replenishing nutrients and
preventing nutrient depletion.

4. *Influence Climate Change*: Nutrient cycles can influence climate change by regulating the exchange
of greenhouse gases between the atmosphere and ecosystems.

In conclusion, nutrient cycles are essential for maintaining ecosystem balance and supporting life on
Earth. Understanding nutrient cycles is crucial for managing ecosystems, mitigating climate change, and
ensuring sustainable development.