1. Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles

2. Carbon Sources Pure (graphite, diamond) Fully oxidized (carbonate minerals) Fully reduced (petroleum hydrocarbons) Complex mixtures (living matter) Present everywhere in our environment, but in smallest proportion in the atmosphere.

3. ATMOSPHERE BIOSPHERE HYDROSHPERE LITHOSPHERE

4. The Nitrogen Cycle

5. 20 amino acids – All Contain N

6. Fixation: The process of converting a gaseous substance into a condensed, more usable form N 2 (g) →NH 4 + (ammonium)

7. Nitrogen Uptake (organism growth) – NH 4 + → Organic N

9. Mineralization (decay) – Organic N →NH 4 +

10. Nitrification/Denitrification Oxidation/Reduction Nitrification – NH 4 + →NO 3 - Denitrfication – NO 3 - →NO 2 +N 2 O

11. The Nitrogen Cycle

12. And now for something scary...

14. Conclusion Currently, much research is devoted to understanding the effects of nitrogen enrichment in the air, groundwater, and surface water. Scientists are also exploring alternative agricultural practices that will sustain high productivity while decreasing the negative impacts caused by fertilizer use.