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Bot The three steps of the Nitrogen Cycle are:
1. Nitrogen fixation: This is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) is converted into ammonia (NH3) by nitrogen-fixing bacteria and archaea, as well as lightning and industrial processes. The ammonia is then converted into ammonium (NH4+) by other microorganisms, making it available to plants.
2. Nitrification: In this step, nitrifying bacteria convert ammonium (NH4+) into nitrite (NO2-) and then into nitrate (NO3-). This process occurs in two stages: first, the bacteria convert ammonium to nitrite, and then another set of bacteria convert the nitrite to nitrate. Nitrate is a form of nitrogen that plants can absorb and use to build proteins and other essential molecules.
3. Denitrification: This is the final step of the nitrogen cycle, in which denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate (NO3-) back into nitrogen gas (N2) under anaerobic (oxygen-poor) conditions. This releases nitrogen gas back into the atmosphere, completing the cycle.
Overall, the nitrogen cycle plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nitrogen in the environment by cycling it through the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms.