nutrient cycle

views updated Jun 08 2018

nutrient cycle(mineral cycle) A biogeochemical cycle, in which inorganic nutrients move through the soil, living organisms, air, and water, or through some of these (e.g. nitrogen as NO3 and NH4, etc.). The use of the term ‘mineral’ can cause confusion, because, although some nutrients (e.g. potassium, magnesium, etc.) are derived originally from minerals in the strict sense, minerals are involved in the cycle only as sources of replenishment.

A Dictionary of Ecology MICHAEL ALLABY

nutrient cycle

views updated May 08 2018

nutrient cycle See BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLE.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

nutrient cycle

views updated May 17 2018

nutrient cycle See BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLE.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

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nutrient cycle

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