Types of Bacteria

Nitrogen fixing - converts nitrogen in the air into nitrates (lightening also does this).

Decomposing (lives in soil) - converts protein from dead organisms and urea into ammonia

Nitrifying - converts the ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates.

Denitrifying - converts nitrates back into nitrogen gas.

These are found in DNA, proteins, amino acids and vitamins.

The Cycle

Nitrogen in the air is converted to ammonium via nitrogen fixing bacteria this is nitrogen fixation. It is also converted in plant root nodules.

Nitrification - Convert ammonium into nitrites and then into nitrates

Assimilation - When plants absorb the nitrates

Animals eat the plants and get their nitrogen through proteins

Ammonification - When an organism dies, respires or produces waste, that material is converted back into ammonium to re-enter the nitrogen cycle.

Denitrification - Bacteria converts excess nitrogen in the soli back into nitrogen gas

The cycle repeats.

Leaching

when nitrates/any fertilizers is washed out from the soil. You can just add store bought fertilizers to ensure the soil has all the nutrients.

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