Nutrient circuits in ecosystems

Nutrient circuits in ecosystems

in the nutrient circuit

The natural nutrient cycles are essential for the function of ecosystems and contribute to global environmental stability. They describe how numerous nutrients, including carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, are exchanged between organisms and their environment. This process is influenced by a variety of physical, chemical and biological processes. In this article we first want to provide a general overview of nutrient circuits and their importance in ecosystems and then go into specific examples such as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus circuit.

nutrient circuits and their importance

All ecosystems, whether terrestrial or aquatic, depend on the nutrient circuit. You ensure that the required elements are available for the growth and survival of the organisms. If an element is not sufficient in the environment, this can limit the growth and reproduction of organisms.

autotrophe and heterotrophic organisms

Autotrophic organisms, such as plants and algae, are able to convert inorganic substances into organic. They usually do this through the photosynthesis, in which they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert them into sugar. Heterotrophic organisms, such as animals and fungi, rely on organic substances that they receive by consuming plants or other animals.

The carbon cycle

One of the most important nutrient cycles is the carbon cycle. As mentioned above, plants plant carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic substances. Animals then absorb these organic substances by eating plants. When plants and animals die and decompose, the carbon is released into the atmosphere or in the ground.

The influence of man on the carbon cycle

The human activities, in particular the combustion of fossil fuels and the design, have a major impact on the carbon cycle. Due to the combustion of fossil fuels, carbon that was stored underground for over millions of years is suddenly released into the atmosphere. This leads to an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and thus increases the greenhouse effect.

The nitrogen cycle

Similar to the carbon cycle, the nitrogen cycle is a key process in ecosystems. It begins with nitrogen in the atmosphere, which is converted into a form that can be used for plants by various processes, such as the nitrogen fixation by microorganisms. Animals then absorb the nitrogen by eating plants.

The influence of humans on the nitrogen cycle

The human activities also have a significant impact on the nitrogen cycle. In particular, intensive agriculture, in which large amounts of nitrogen fertilizers are used, has meant that more nitrogen is available in ecosystems than they can process. This leads to an enrichment of nitrogen in soils and water that has a negative effect on the environment.

The phosphorus circuit

The phosphorus circuit is another important nutrient cycle in ecosystems. Phosphorus is a growth and reproduction of the organisms of essential nutrients. It is mainly included in rocks and reaches the ground and water by weathering. Plants absorb the phosphorus from the ground and animals absorb it by eating plants.

The influence of man on the phosphorus cycle

As with nitrogen cycle, intensive agriculture has also led to an enrichment of phosphorus in the environment. The excessive use of phosphorus -containing fertilizers means that phosphorus gets into floors and water and leads to environmental problems, such as the eutrophication of waters.

summary

The nutrient cycles are essential processes in ecosystems that enable the growth and survival of organisms. However, they are also susceptible to disorders from human activities. Through a better understanding and management of these cycles, we can help to maintain the health of our ecosystems and to secure their ability to provide important ecological services. Not only science, but also politics and society plays a crucial role.