Which cycle describes the movement of nitrogen in the environment?

The nitrogen cycle describes the movement of nitrogen in the environment, encompassing processes such as nitrogen fixation, ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification. In this cycle, nitrogen gas from the atmosphere is converted into a form that plants can use, primarily ammonia and nitrates, by various bacteria in the soil and root nodules. This facilitates the incorporation of nitrogen into organic compounds within plants.

As plants are consumed by animals, nitrogen continues to flow through the food chain. Eventually, when plants and animals die, decomposition returns nitrogen to the soil, where it can once again be transformed into gaseous nitrogen or other compounds, completing the cycle. This dynamic process is essential for maintaining ecosystem health, as nitrogen is a critical nutrient for all living organisms.

In contrast to the nitrogen cycle, the carbon cycle focuses on the movement of carbon through various earth systems, while the oxygen cycle pertains to the circulation of oxygen in different forms, including its release during photosynthesis or consumption during respiration. The water cycle describes the continuous movement of water in its various states (liquid, vapor, and ice) through precipitation, evaporation, and condensation processes. Each of these cycles plays a unique role in environmental sustainability, but only the nitrogen cycle directly addresses the ecological significance of nitrogen