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Minerals are introduced and cycled through various stages in the formation of soil and the recycling of matter in the environment. These stages are typically part of the biogeochemical cycles that involve both living organisms and geological processes. The primary stages where minerals are added and recycled include:
Weathering and Rock Breakdown: The initial stage in soil formation involves the physical and chemical breakdown of rocks and minerals. Physical weathering, such as freeze-thaw cycles and abrasion, as well as chemical weathering processes like dissolution and oxidation, release minerals from parent rocks into the soil.
Mineralization of Organic Matter: As plants and other organic matter decay, they release organic molecules and nutrients, including minerals, into the soil. These minerals become available for uptake by plants and contribute to soil fertility.
Nutrient Uptake by Plants: Plants play a crucial role in mineral cycling as they absorb essential nutrients (minerals) from the soil through their roots. These minerals are then incorporated into plant tissues.
Consumption by Herbivores: Herbivorous animals feed on plants, transferring the minerals from plants to their own tissues. When these animals die and decompose, the minerals are returned to the soil.
Predator-Prey Relationships: The minerals continue to cycle as predators consume herbivores and are subsequently consumed by other predators. In each step of this food chain, minerals are passed along.
Decomposition: The decomposition of dead plants and animals by decomposers (such as bacteria and fungi) releases minerals back into the soil. This is a critical stage in mineral recycling.
Leaching and Groundwater Movement: Some minerals may be leached from the soil by water, moving downward into groundwater. Conversely, minerals can be brought back to the surface when groundwater interacts with subsurface rocks.
Geological Processes: Geological processes, such as volcanic eruptions and tectonic activity, can introduce new minerals to the environment. Volcanic eruptions, for example, can release minerals from the Earth's interior to the surface.
Weathering of Minerals Deposited in Soil: Over time, minerals can weather further within the soil, releasing additional ions and nutrients that are available for plant uptake.
Human Activities: Human activities, such as agriculture, mining, and the use of fertilizers, can significantly influence the cycling of minerals in the environment. These activities can both introduce and remove minerals from the natural cycles.
In summary, minerals are introduced to the soil and recycled within the environment through a complex interplay of geological processes, biological activities, and human interactions. These stages collectively contribute to the maintenance of nutrient cycles and soil fertility in ecosystems.
Mineral components of many soils are either developed in situ during the course of weathering and pedogenesis or primarily inherited from parent materials.The 4 geological steps involved in soil formation are weathering, transportation, deposition, and upheaval. The rocks are disintegrated into smaller particles (soil particles) through erosion/weathering. Soil is a major source of nutrients needed by plants for growth. The three main nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Together they make up the trio known as NPK. Other important nutrients are calcium, magnesium and sulfur. Minerals may have been deposited in the soil during the last glacial period, or Ice Age. Fertilizers can be added to soil to increase fertility. Fertilizers contain nutrients such as phosphorous, nitrogen, and potassium. Composted plant matter, called humus, is a natural fertilizer that can improve soil fertility. Soil fertility can be further improved by incorporating cover crops that add organic matter to the soil, which leads to improved soil structure and promotes a healthy, fertile soil; by using green manure or growing legumes to fix nitrogen from the air through the process of biological nitrogen fixation; by micro-dose. Fertilizers such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are added to the soil to make it fertile. These are also added to the potted plants in gardens to enhance plant growth. NPK and urea are the most common fertilizers required by the soil. Urea adds nitrogen to the soil. Matter is constantly recycled in ecosystems. Individual atoms take countless trips through biogeochemical cycles, passing through living things, air, water and/or rocks and soil. The earth is a closed system, which means that matter cannot be created nor destroyed. Because there are only finite amounts of nutrients available on the earth, they must be recycled in order to ensure the continued existence of living organisms. Recycling prevents the emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants, and saves energy. Using recovered material generates less solid waste. Recycling helps to reduce the pollution caused by the extraction and processing of virgin materials.