The Nitrogen Cycle Summary

• Atmospheric nitrogen cannot be used directly by plants.
• Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert nitrogen gas into usable compounds.
• Plants absorb nitrates.
• Animals obtain nitrogen by feeding on plants.
• Decomposers return nitrogen to the soil.
• Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia into nitrates.
• Denitrifying bacteria return nitrogen to the atmosphere.

Importance of Nitrogen to Plant
• Protein synthesis
• Chlorophyll formation
• DNA and RNA synthesis
• Enzyme production
• Increased soil fertility