Nutrient Cycling
Definition
Nutrient cycling refers to the movement and exchange of essential nutrients (such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus) between living organisms and their environment.
Analogy
Imagine nutrient cycling as a recycling system for nutrients. Just like how you recycle paper or plastic to be used again, nutrients are constantly recycled by organisms in ecosystems to sustain life.
Related terms
Decomposition: The process by which organic matter is broken down into simpler substances by decomposers (like bacteria and fungi), releasing nutrients back into the environment.
Nitrogen Fixation: The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen gas into forms that can be used by plants through biological or industrial processes.
Biogeochemical Cycles: The pathways through which elements such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water are circulated between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of ecosystems.
"Nutrient Cycling" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (1)
- Which category of ecosystem services includes soil formation and nutrient cycling?
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.