Biogeochemical Cycles
Energy FlowEnergy comes in 7 forms including mechanical, sound, light, electrical, nuclear, chemical, and heat. In an terrestrial or aquatic ecosystem, solar energy is transferred through different trophic levels. As energy flows through ecosystems, about 90% of it is lost as heat energy as it reaches the final trophic level. It is important to manage energy flow with best practices in an agro-ecosystem to ensure efficiency in conserving water, preserving habitats, and nutrient distribution when growing crops.
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Carbon CycleThe global carbon cycle has unequal distribution through the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere and will most likely accelerate in the future. Cellular respiration and photosynthesis make up two large components of the carbon cycle. Photosynthesis is the process of converting light energy to chemical energy for plants or producers to use. The reactants in photosynthesis include carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). This reaction is endothermic and results in the production of glucose (C6H12O6)and oxygen (O2). This chemical energy is stored inside plants for later use. Cellular respiration is the process in reverse and it is performed by all organisms. In this exothermic reaction, glucose and oxygen and converted into carbon dioxide, water, heat, and chemical energy (ATP).
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Nitrogen CycleIn the nitrogen cycle, nitrogen is converted into many different forms in both physical and biological processes. The first process it goes through is nitrogen fixation which can come from sources such as lightning. In fixation, Atmospheric nitrogen gas is converted into a usable form for plants called ammonium (NH4). The next process is called mineralization, in which enzymes from bacteria bind organic matter to NH2 and convert it once again into ammonium. In nitrification, ammonium can be converted into nitrate (NO3) or nitrite (NO2). The next process is denitrification, where nitrates are converted to nitrites. As soil becomes more saturated, harmful groundwater leaching can occur. Finally, in the process of volatilization, nitrate is converted back into nitrogen gas which returns to the atmosphere. These processes are largely due in part to controllers such as bacteria, legumes, and organic matter.
Photo credits to google images and woodlandhighag |