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Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

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Home → Glossary → nitrogen cycle

nitrogen cycle

The movement of the element nitrogen through the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for all living things, including an important part of enzymes, which carry out necessary biological reactions such as photosynthesis and respiration.

Learn more about the nitrogen cycle.

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