The Nitrogen Cycle

Atmospheric Nitrogen

Ammonium ions

Nitrates

Nitrites

Nitrogen in plants (proteins, amino acids, DNA)

Nitrogen in animals(proteins, amino acids, DNA)

Dead organic matter

Denitrifying bacteria: Pseudomonas

Oxidation by bacteria: Nitrobacter

Oxidation by bacteria: Nitrosomonas

Ammonification: decomposition by detritivores and decomposers

Death, leaf-fall, excretion

Eaten

Ionising processes lightning

Root absorption

Nitrogen fixation: Azotobacter

Nitrogen fixation: Rhizobium on legume root nodules