Microbial Steps in the Nitrogen Cycle

Microbes drive the nitrogen cycle by changing nitrogen into forms that plants and other organisms can use. This biogeochemical cycle keeps nitrogenous compounds balanced in ecosystems. It also supports plant growth and microbial growth.

Nitrogen fixation begins the cycle by converting inert atmos...

Nitrogen changes between different chemical forms and oxidation states through fixation, ammonification, nitrification, denitrification, and anammox.

The nitrogen cycle begins with nitrogen gas, which most organisms cannot use directly.

Nitrogen fixation by free-living bacteria, like Azotobacter, converts nitrogen gas into amm...