Describe the movement of an atom of nitrogen from the leaf of a plant, through the process of decomposition, and back into the root of another plant. Your response should be at least 200 words in length

Answer:

Atmospheric nitrogen can be fixed into its compounds in the soil by biological nitrogen fixation, through industrial applications and through lightening. Plants take up nitrogen compounds through their roots. When plants die the nitrogen compounds in the organic matter re-enter the soil where they are broken down by microorganisms, known as decomposers. This decomposition produces ammonia, which can then go through the nitrification process. Nitrifying bacteria in the soil convert ammonia into nitrite (NO₂^-) and then into nitrate (NO₃^-). This process is called nitrification. Compounds such as nitrate, nitrite, ammonia and ammonium can be taken up from soils by plants and then used in the formation of plant proteins. Denitrification converts the nitrates and nitrites into free nitrogen that goes into the atmosphere by various denitrifying bacteria and the whole process is repeated again.