Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycles

The Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen All organisms require this element Nitrogen Fixation Process where nitrogen in the atmosphere is converted into ammonium by specific types of bacteria Ammonium The form of nitrogen that most organisms can use Denitrification Process where bacteria in the soil converts nitrates into nitrogen gas (release nitrogen back into the atmosphere) Decomposers Breakdown organisms when they die in order to return nitrogen to the soil Identify the two parts of the Nitrogen Cycle. A = Nitrogen FixationB = Denitrification What is the key organism that ensures the nitrogen cycle can run properly? Bacteria Nitrogen Carbon Is it possible to take in phosphorus through the atmosphere? Yes No What is different about the phosphorus cycle as compared to the water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles? What happens to the phosphates when plants and animals die? Absorbed into soil Absorbed into the atmosphere