What does the term ‘nutrient cycling’ refer to?

The term 'nutrient cycling' refers to the movement and exchange of nutrients throughout the ecosystem. This concept emphasizes how nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are transferred from the soil to plants, then to animals, and eventually back into the environment through processes like decomposition and mineralization. This cycle is essential for maintaining ecosystem health and productivity as it supports plant growth and sustains food chains.

In contrast, the production of synthetic fertilizers relates to human-made nutrients added to enhance soil fertility, which does not capture the natural processes involved in nutrient cycling. The storage of nutrients in plants refers more to the biological aspects of nutrient retention, while the depletion of nutrients in the soil highlights a negative consequence that can occur if nutrient cycling is disrupted but does not define the process itself. Understanding nutrient cycling is fundamental for effective nutrient management practices in agriculture and environmental stewardship.