Question

What is the impact of human domination on the nitrogen cycle?

Answer 1

Nitrogen cycle:

1. Nitrogen cycle is a biogeochemical process through which nitrogen is converted into many forms, consecutively passing from the atmosphere to the soil to the organism and back into the atmosphere.
2. It involves several processes such as nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, decay, and putrefaction.

Impact of human domination on the nitrogen cycle:

1. Global increase in concentrations of nitrous oxide (N₂O), a greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere and regional increase in the concentrations of other oxides of nitrogen drives the formation of photochemical smog.
2. Loss of soil nutrients (potassium and calcium) necessary for long-term fertility of the soil.
3. Significant acidification of soils and of the waters of lakes and streams in different regions.
4. High increased transportation of nitrogen by rivers into coastal water and estuaries posing as a major pollutant.