Nutrient Cycling and Ecology

Nutrient cycling and ecology is the study of processes in which nutrients are cycled, released and removed from ecosystems, and the implications that these processes have on the functioning and stability of ecosystems. It looks at the interactions between the abiotic components of an ecosystem, such as energy and minerals, and the biotic components, such as plants and animals, to understand how nutrients are cycled, released and removed from an ecosystem. This knowledge is important for understanding how to properly manage ecosystems, as well as how to maintain biodiversity. Nutrient cycling and ecology is also important for conservation, helping us understand how humans can best use and protect ecosystems.