Question

How do humans impact the nitrogen cycle?

Answer 1

Hint: Nitrogen is a biogeochemical cycle that converts the unsubtle inert nitrogen into usable nitrogen. The usable forms of nitrogen include nitrates, nitrites and ammonium salts. The cycle has been disrupted by human activities in many ways.

Complete answer:
We all know that nitrogen is the most abundant compound that is present in the atmosphere but it cannot be utilised by plants and other organisms directly from the atmosphere.

Let us first know about the nitrogen cycle:
The nitrogen cycle contains several steps like nitrogen fixation, assimilation, ammonification, nitrification and denitrification. Nitrogen is a limiting nutrient for both the natural and agricultural ecosystem. Nitrogen exists in two-atoms joined by a triple bond.

Firstly nitrogen is converted into ammonia by the process called nitrogen fixation. Industrial combustions, forest fires and automobiles exhausts and power-generating stations are sources of NO2. Nitrogen is obtained by plants through ammonification. Ammonia is first oxidised to nitrite which later is oxidised to nitrate with the help of bacteria. It is called nitrification. Nitrates thus formed are absorbed by the plants and are transported to the leaves where they are finally reduced to ammonia.

The nitrogen cycle has been impacted by humans. Burning of fuel, use of fertilizers and other activities have affected this cycle. large amounts of nitrogen can affect both terrestrial and aquatic forms. In terrestrial form, the addition of nitrogen can lead to a nutrient imbalance in trees and can decline biodiversity. Fertilizers are used that sometimes if used in excess can hamper the growth of plants. It can cause a loss of agricultural growth. One common consequence of an increase in nitrogen is that it can increase harmful algal bloom. Thus all these activities have altered the nitrogen cycle in many ways.

Note: Nitrogen cycle is a cycle that helps us to obtain usable nitrogen that plants or animals can use for their use. It is a cyclic process where the nitrogen travels from inorganic form in the atmosphere and to the organic way in the living organism. It helps in maintaining the ecological balance and is present in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.