Courses : Forest Ecology Lecturer : Bella Ariana Semester : 4thSemester, 2022/2023 Session Nutrition Cycle The natural process by which essential nutritional elements such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and others move through the biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem is known as the nutrient cycle. In this cycle, substances change form and move between living things and non-living environments. During the nutrient cycle, plants get nutrients from the surrounding environment. Animals then eat plants, and when animals die, decomposers microorganisms break down the dead organisms, releasing nutrients into the environment. In the next cycle, the plant can then take back these nutrients. The movement and change of nutrients through the biotic (living things) and abiotic (nonliving factors) parts of an ecosystem is known as the nutrient cycle. The nutrient cycle includes the shifts and changes in the form of materials such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus between the biotic and abiotic parts of the ecosystem. Some of the important nutrient cycles in an ecosystem are as follows: 1. Carbon cycle: Carbon is an essential part of all living things and serves to form organic molecules. Photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide into glucose, carries carbon to ecosystems. When living things die, carbon is transferred to consumers and then to decomposers. During the process of respiration, carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere. In addition, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere as a result of the combustion process. Photosynthesis produces carbon again, which is part of this cycle. The carbon cycle involves the movement and change of carbon between biotic and abiotic components in ecosystems. Here is an example of the carbon cycle: • Photosynthesis • Respiration • Decomposition • Burning • Long term storage 2. Nitrogen cycle: Nitrogen plays an important role in the formation of nucleic acids and proteins. It is impossible for living things to use atmospheric nitrogen in the form of gaseous nitrogen (N2). Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil convert gaseous nitrogen into nitrogen compounds such as nitrate and ammonia. This is how plants absorb nitrogen, which is taken up by consumers when they eat plants. Nitrogen then returns to the soil through excretion or the remains of dead organisms. In addition, nitrogen fixing bacteria convert gaseous nitrogen into usable substances. Next, organic matter is broken down by decomposers, which return nitrogen in a simple form to the soil. The nitrogen cycle involves the movement and exchange of nitrogen between biotic and abiotic components in an ecosystem. Here is an example of the nitrogen cycle: • nitrogen fixation • Nitrogen uptake by plants • Food chain • Denitrification • Ammonification and nitrification • Excretion 3. Phosphorus cycle: Phosphorus is a component of DNA, RNA, and ATP. Phosphorus can be found in the form of inorganic compounds, such as that found in phosphates in soil and water. Phosphorus is taken up by plants from the soil and used for their growth and metabolism. Consumers get phosphorus from their diet through the consumption of animals and plants. Phosphorus then returns to the soil via decomposers and the remains of organisms. The biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem exchange phosphorus during this cycle. The phosphorus cycle involves the movement and change of phosphorus between biotic and abiotic components in an ecosystem. Here is an example of the phosphorus cycle: • Rock weathering • Phosphate absorption by plants • Food chain • Decomposition • Addition of phosphorus to the soil through fertilization • Phosphate deposition Apart from the nutrient cycle, there are also other cycles, such as the water cycle, the sulfur cycle, and the oxygen cycle. These cycles are essential for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and ensuring that all the nutrients that life needs are available. Natural nutrient cycles are essential for maintaining environmental health and ecosystem sustainability. The cycle of nutrients is very important to maintain balance in the ecosystem. All living things need these nutrients for normal growth, development and function. The cycle of nutrients ensures the continuous availability of nutrients in the ecosystem, so To manage ecosystems in a sustainable manner, it is important to understand the cycle of nutrients. A healthy nutrient cycle ensures the availability of nutrients needed by all organisms. However, human actions such as deforestation, pollution, and excessive use of fertilizers can upset the balance of ecosystems and affect nutrient cycles. Therefore, to maintain ecosystem health and sustainability, it is important to understand and properly manage nutrient cycles. The cycle of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus is part of the nutrient cycle which is very important for maintaining the balance of ecosystems and the continuation of life on Earth. Here are some conclusions that can be drawn: 1. The nutrient cycle includes the transfer and change of nutrients between the biotic and abiotic parts of the ecosystem. 2. The nutrient cycle includes many processes, such as fixation, absorption, decomposition, respiration, and transfer through the food chain. 3. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, play an important role in the nutrient cycle by converting and recycling nutrients. 4. Nutrient cycles can be affected by human activities, such as the use of chemical fertilizers, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. This can cause an ecosystem imbalance. 5. Climate change can also affect nutrient cycles, which can impact the activities of microorganisms and biochemical processes. 6. Understanding and maintaining the balance of the nutrient cycle is essential for maintaining the sustainability of life and the environment on Earth. By maintaining the balance of the nutrient cycle, we can ensure the availability of nutrients needed by living organisms, maintain biodiversity, and maintain the health and sustainability of ecosystems.