MAGNESIUM CYCLE ‘The magnesium cycle is a complex interplay of geological, biological, and chemical processes that en ‘Here are the key steps involved in the magnesium cycle: 1, Weathering of Rocks: Magnesium is released into the environment through the weathering of rocks, particularly from minerals like olivine, serpentine, and dolomite. This process involves the breakdown of these rocks into smaller particles, releasing magn (Mg) into the soil and water. 2. Soil and Plant Uptake: Plants absorb magnesium from the soil through their roots. Magnesium is an essential nutrient for plants as itis a central component of the chlorophyll ‘molecule, which is erucial for photosynthesis. 3. Consumption by Animal ‘animals eat these plants, magnesium becomes part oftheir dict. Its vital for various physiological processes in animals, including muscle function and enzyme activity. 4, Decomposition: When plants and animals dic, their bodies decompose, returning magnesium ions Herbivores obtain magnesium by consuming plants. When to the soil. Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down organic matter, releasing ‘magnesium back into the environment, 5, Leaching and Runoff: Magnesium in the soil can be leached away by rainwater and enter rivers, lakes, and oceans, Runoff from agricultural fields and urban areas also contributes to the magnesium content in water bodies. 6. Sedimentation: In aquatic environments, magnesium can precipitate out of the water and ‘become part of sedimentary rocks on the ocean floor. Over geological time scales, these sediments can be uplifted to form new landmasses, restarting the cycle. 7. Volcanic Activity: Volcanic eruptions can release magnesium from the Earth's mantle back into the atmosphere and surface environments. This step is part ofthe long-term geological cycling of magnesium.sure the continual movement of magnesium through the Earth's spheres.ss PHOSPHORUS CYCLE c is a biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere Steps of the phosphorus eye: Weathering: Phosphorus is stored in rocks and minerals as phosphate ions (PO4’3-). ‘Weathering of rocks due to natural processes like rain, wind, and temperature changes releases phosphate ions into the soil and water. Absorption by Plants: Plants absorb phosphate ions from the soil through their roots Phosphorus is used by plants for energy transfer (ATP), photosynthesis, and the synthesis of rucleic acids (DNA, RNA). ‘Consumption by Animals: Animals obtain phosphorus by consuming plants or other animals Phosphorus is essential for the development of bones, teeth, and cellular functions in animals. Decomposition: When plants and animals die, deeomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down. their organic matter. Decomposition releases phosphate ions back into the soil or water. Sedimentation: Some phosphate ions are carried by runoff into rivers, lakes, and oceans. Tn aquatic environments, phosphorus can precipitate and form sedimentary rock. This phosphorus may eventually become part of the geological cycle again, returning to rocks through sedimentation processes. Geological Uplift: Over geological time seales, sedimentary rocks containing phosphorus can be uplified and exposed to weathering, starting the cycle anew. The Phosphorus rena ok CycleThe nitrogen eycle chemic TROGEN CYCLE | 4 complex biogeochemical cycle in which nitrogen is converted into various forms as it circulates among the atmosphere, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems. It includes Key processes that ensure the movement and transformation of nitrogen, Here are the main steps of the nitrogen cycle: Nitrogen Fixatt Atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into ammonia (NH3) or related nitrogenous compounds. 1 his process can occur through biological fixation by nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium in legume root nodules) or through abiotic processes like lightning ‘and industrial fixation (Haber-Bosch process), Nitrifie: yn: Ammonia (NH3) in the soil is converted into nitrites (NO2%-) and then into nitrates (NO3*-), Thi ried out by nitrifying bacteria. The process involves two steps: Ammonia oxidation: Ammonia is oxi od to nitrite by bacteria such as Nitrosomonas. Nitrite oxidation: Nitrite is further oxidized to nitrate by bacteria such as Nitrobacter. Assimilation: Plants absorb nitrates (NO3*) and ammonium ions (NH4*+) from the soil. These nitrogen compounds are used to sy nueleic acids, and other thesize plant prote hitrogen-containing compounds. Animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals, Ammonification (Decay): When plants and animals die, their bodies decompose fungi) break down organi Decomposers (bacteria trogen compounds back into ammonia (NH3) or ammonium ions (NH4*+), returning it to the soil Denitrification: In anaerobic conditions, denirifying bacteria convert nitrates (NO3*) back into nitrogen yas (N2) or nitrous oxide (N20), which are then released into the atmosphere. This process closes the nitrogen cycle by returning nitrogen to the atmosphere.