Nitrogen
Cycle
Sources of Nitrogen
Lightning
Inorganic fertilizers
Nitrogen Fixation
Animal Residues
Crop residues
Organic fertilizers
Lightning as source of Nitrogen
A natural source of nitrogen
oxides occurs from a lightning
stroke. The very high
temperature in the vicinity of a
lightning bolt causes the gases
oxygen and nitrogen in the air
to react to form nitric oxide. The
nitric oxide very quickly reacts
with more oxygen to form
nitrogen dioxide.
Inorganic fertilizer as source of Nitrogen
These fertilizers typically contain
nitrogen in the form of ammonia,
urea, or nitrate, providing an
easily accessible nutrient for plant
uptake.
The production of synthetic
fertilizers involves industrial
processes, such as the Haber-
Bosch method, which converts
atmospheric nitrogen into
ammonia.
Nitrogen Fixation as source of Nitrogen
Nitrogen fixation is a biological
mechanism that transforms
atmospheric nitrogen into a
usable form for plants, playing
a vital role in the nitrogen
cycle.
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soil,
often associated with specific
plants, are a key source of
nitrogen, essential for natural
ecosystems and agriculture.
Animal residues as source of Nitrogen
These residues contain organic
matter rich in nitrogen
compounds.
When these materials
decompose, nitrogen is released
in various forms, including
ammonia and organic nitrogen
compounds.
This decomposition process is
facilitated by microorganisms in
the soil
Crop residues as source of Nitrogen
Leftover plant materials such as
stems, leaves, and roots, can also
serve as a valuable source of
nitrogen.
These residues contain organic
nitrogen compounds, and when they
decompose, nitrogen is released into
the soil.
Microorganisms play a crucial role in
breaking down the organic matter,
converting it into forms like ammonia
Organic fertilizer as source of Nitrogen
Organic matter in manure,
compost, cover crops, and
green manure crops serves
as a reservoir of nitrogen.
Through microbial activity
and specific plant-microbe
interactions, the organic
nitrogen is transformed into
forms that plants can readily
use for their growth and
development.
Nitrogen Cycle is a biogeochemical process through which
nitrogen is converted into many forms, consecutively passing from
the atmosphere to the soil to organism and back into the atmosphere.
It involves several processes such as ammonification/mineralization,
Immobilization, nitrogen fixation, nitrification and denitrification.
Forms of Nitrogen
Urea CO(NH2)2
Ammonia NH3 (gaseous)
Ammonium NH4
Nitrate NO3
Nitrite NO2
Atmospheric Dinitrogen N2
Organic N
Urea as form of Nitrogen
Urea is a chemical compound and a
common form of nitrogen used in
fertilizers. It has the chemical formula
CO(NH2)2 and is composed of carbon,
nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms.
Urea is a concentrated source of nitrogen,
with a nitrogen content of approximately
46%.
Urea is highly soluble in water, allowing for
easy application through irrigation or as a
foliar spray. Its solubility makes it a
Ammonia as form of Nitrogen
● Ammonia is a primary component in the
production of nitrogen-based fertilizers.
It is a precursor to other nitrogen
compounds such as urea, ammonium
nitrate, and ammonium sulfate, which
are widely used for plant nutrition.
● In nature, certain bacteria, known as
nitrogen-fixing bacteria, convert
atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia
through a process called nitrogen
fixation.
Ammonium as form of Nitrogen
Ammonium is a common form of nitrogen in
fertilizers. Ammonium-based fertilizers
include ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4),
ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), and others.
Plants can directly uptake ammonium ions
from the soil. Ammonium serves as a
nitrogen source for plants, contributing to
their growth and development.
Ammonium ions can influence soil pH. In
acidic soils, ammonium tends to be more
stable, while in alkaline soils, it may convert
to ammonia (NH3).
Ammonia vs Ammonium
Ammonia (NH3) Ammonium (NH4)
It is a gaseous compound It is a polyatomic ion
composed of one nitrogen composed of one
atom bonded to three nitrogen atom bonded to
hydrogen atoms. four hydrogen atoms.
It is a gas at room It is not a standalone
temperature and substance but is present
atmospheric pressure. It in the form of salts or
can easily be liquefied compounds.
under moderate pressure or
cooled to form a liquid.
Nitrate as form of Nitrogen
● Nitrate is a key component in nitrogen-
based fertilizers, including compounds
like ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and
calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2).
● Plants can directly absorb nitrate ions
from the soil.
● Nitrate is formed in the soil through a
process called nitrification.
● Nitrate can be transformed back into
nitrogen gas through a process called
denitrification
Nitrite as form of
Nitrogen
Nitrite is formed as an intermediate product
during the nitrification process. This
process involves the oxidation of
ammonium (NH4+) to nitrite (NO2-) and
further to nitrate (NO3-).
While plants can absorb nitrate directly,
they generally prefer ammonium or nitrate
over nitrite.
Nitrite is less commonly taken up by plants
due to its potential toxicity at elevated
concentrations.
High levels of nitrite in the soil can be toxic
● It has a higher oxygen ● It has a lower oxygen
content, with three content, with two
oxygen atoms per oxygen atoms per
molecule. molecule.
● It is a more oxidized form ● It is a less oxidized form
of nitrogen. In biological of nitrogen compared to
processes, nitrates can nitrate. Nitrites can also
be further reduced to undergo further
nitrites or other forms of reduction in biological
nitrogen, releasing systems.
Atmospheric Dinitrogen
Dinitrogen makes up approximately
78% of Earth's atmosphere, making it
the most abundant gas in the
atmosphere.
While atmospheric dinitrogen is
abundant, most plants and animals
cannot use it directly.
Atmospheric dinitrogen is an integral
part of the nitrogen cycle, where it
undergoes transformations through
processes like nitrogen fixation,
nitrification, and denitrification.
Organic Nitrogen
Organic nitrogen exists in various forms
within living organisms and their byproducts.
Common forms include amino acids, proteins,
nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), urea, and other
nitrogen-containing organic molecules.
When organisms die or produce organic
waste, organic nitrogen is present in the
organic matter.
Decomposition by microorganisms leads to
the breakdown of organic nitrogen-containing
compounds into ammonium (NH4+), a
process known as mineralization.
Global Nitrogen Reservoirs
Nitrogen Metric tons Actively cycled
Reservoir nitrogen
Atmosphere 3.9*1015 No
Ocean soluble
salts 6.9*1011 Yes
Biomass 5.2*108 Yes
Land organic
matter 1.1*1011 Slow
Biota 2.5*1010 Yes
Roles of Nitrogen
Plants and bacteria use nitrogen in the form of
NH4+ or NO3-
It serves as an electron acceptor in anaerobic
environment
Nitrogen is often the most limiting nutrient in soil
and water.
Nitrogen is a key element for
Amino acids
Nucleic acids (purine, pyrimidine)
Cell wall components of bacteria (NAM).
Nitrogen Cycles
Ammonification/mineralization
Immobilization
Nitrogen Fixation
Nitrification
Denitrification
Ammonification or
N
Mineralization
2
N2O NH4 NO2
R-NH2
NO
NO2 NO3
Mineralization or Ammonification
Decomposers: earthworms, termites, slugs,
snails, bacteria, and fungi
Uses extracellular enzymes initiate
degradation of plant polymers
Microorganisms uses:
Proteases, lysozymes, nucleases to degrade
nitrogen containing molecules
Plants die or bacterial cells lyse
release of organic nitrogen
Organic nitrogen is converted to
inorganic nitrogen (NH3)
When pH<7.5, converted rapidly to
NH4
Example:
Urea NH3 + 2 CO2
Immobilization
The opposite of mineralization
Happens when nitrogen is limiting in the
environment
Nitrogen limitation is governed by C/N ratio
C/N typical for soil microbial biomass is 20
C/N < 20 Mineralization
C/N > 20 Immobilization
Nitrogen Fixation
N2
N2O NH4 NO2
R-NH2
NO
NO2
NO3
Nitrogen Fixation
Energy intensive process :
N2 + 8H+ + 8e- + 16 ATP = 2NH3
+ H2 + 16ADP + 16 Pi
Performed only by selected bacteria
and actinomycetes
Performed in nitrogen fixing crops
(ex: soybeans)
Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria
Rhizobium:
Symbiosis: Forms mutualistic relationships with the root
nodules of leguminous plants (e.g., peas, beans, clover).
Function: Converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia,
providing a direct nitrogen source to the host plant.
Azotobacter
Free-Living: Exists in the soil independently, not forming
symbiotic relationships with plants.
Function: Fixes atmospheric nitrogen and makes it available for
plants. Commonly found in the rhizosphere (root zone) of many
plants.
Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria
Clostridium:
Free-Living: Soil bacteria that are not strictly nitrogen fixers
but have the capability.
Function: Can fix nitrogen under anaerobic conditions and
contribute to nitrogen availability in soils.
Frankia
Symbiosis: Forms symbiotic relationships with the root nodules
of actinorhizal plants (e.g., alders, elms).
Function: Fixes atmospheric nitrogen and facilitates the growth
of host plants.
Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria
Cyanobacteria (green algae)
Free-Living: Found in aquatic environments, as well as in soil
crusts and some symbiotic associations.
Function: Fix nitrogen through photosynthesis, contributing to
nitrogen availability in aquatic ecosystems and terrestrial
environments.
Bradyrhizibium
Symbiosis: Forms symbiotic relationships with the root nodules
of leguminous plants.
Function: Works with legumes to fix atmospheric nitrogen and
enhance plant growth.
Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria
Anabaena
Free-Living: Cyanobacteria that can form symbiotic
associations with certain plants.
Function: Fixes nitrogen through both free-living and symbiotic
processes, contributing to nitrogen availability in aquatic and
terrestrial environments.
Actinomycetes
Free-Living: Soil-dwelling bacteria that can exhibit nitrogen-
fixing capabilities.
Function: Contribute to nitrogen availability in soils, although
they are not strictly nitrogen-fixing specialists.
Rates of Nitrogen Fixation
N2 fixing system Nitrogen Fixation
(kg N/hect/year)
Rhizobium-legume 200-300
Cyanobacteria - 30-40
algae
Rhizosphere 2-25
associations
Free- living 1-2
Applications to wetlands
Occur in overlying waters - refers to the water that is
present above or covering a particular substrate or surface.
Aerobic soil -Aerobic soils have particle arrangement which
allows for free movement of air within its pores (open spaces
between soil particles).
Anaerobic soil - have restricted flow of air within its soil
pores, owing to a high moisture or water table level.
Oxidized rhizosphere - are the result of oxygen leakage
from living roots into the surrounding anoxic soil, causing
oxidation of ferrous iron present in the soil solution.
Nitrification
N2
N2O NH4 NO2
R-NH2
NO
NO2 NO3
Nitrification
Two step reactions that occur together :
1rst step catalyzed by Nitrosomonas
2 NH4+ + 3 O2 2 NO2- +2 H2O+ 4 H+
2nd step catalyzed by Nitrobacter
2 NO2- + O2 2 NO3-
Optimal pH is between 6.6-8.0
If pH < 6.0 rate is slowed
If pH < 4.5 reaction is
inhibited
Denitrification
N2
N2O NH4 NO2
R-NH2
NO
NO2 NO3
Denitrification
● Removes a limiting nutrient from the environment
● 4NO3- + C6H12O6 2N2 + 6 H20
● Inhibited by O2
● Not inhibited by ammonia
● Microbial reaction
● Nitrate is the terminal electron acceptor
Looking at the Nitrogen cycle
through the eye of NH4
Ammonium Production Denitrification
Ammonium Uptake by Ammonium Balance
Plants Ammonium in Water Bodies
Ammonium Oxidation Ammonium Transformation
Ammonium in Soil in Sediments
Ammonium Uptake by Human Influence
Plants (Revisited)
