what does a diagram of the nitrogen cycle show
how the element nitrogen moves between living organisms and the environment.
how is nitrogen recycled
a nitrogen gas in the air cannot be used directly by plants and animals b nitrogen-fixing bacteria living in root nodules or the soil can fix nitrogen gas c the action of lightning can convert nitrogen gas into nitrates d decomposers break down dead animals and plants e soil bacteria convert proteins and urea into ammonia f nitrifying bacteria convert this ammonia to nitrates g plants absorb nitrates from the soil h nitrates are needed by plants to make proteins for growth i nitrogen compounds pass along a food chain or web j denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates to nitrogen gas