Question

the nitrogen cycle

1. what are the major reservoirs of the nitrogen cycle?
2. what are the limitations of the nitrogen cycle?
3. how can humans positively impact the nitrogen cycle?
4. how do humans negatively impact the nitrogen cycle?

Explanation:

1. The major reservoirs of the nitrogen - cycle are the atmosphere (where nitrogen exists as N₂ gas), soil (where nitrogen is present in various forms like ammonium, nitrate), and biomass (living organisms that incorporate nitrogen into their biological molecules).
2. Limitations can include slow natural nitrogen - fixation rates by some bacteria, and the fact that nitrogen availability can limit plant growth in some ecosystems if not properly cycled.
3. Humans can positively impact the nitrogen cycle by using nitrogen - fixing crops in rotation, which enriches the soil with nitrogen, and by treating sewage to reduce nitrogen pollution and recycle nitrogen in a more sustainable way.
4. Humans negatively impact the nitrogen cycle through excessive use of synthetic fertilizers in agriculture, which can lead to nitrogen runoff into water bodies causing eutrophication. Also, industrial processes and vehicle emissions release nitrogen - containing pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to acid rain and smog.

Answer:

1. Atmosphere, soil, biomass.
2. Slow natural fixation rates, limits on plant growth.
3. Using nitrogen - fixing crops, treating sewage.
4. Excessive fertilizer use, industrial and vehicle emissions.