Microorganisms help recycle nutrients by breaking down dead things. They also turn air nitrogen into plant food. Some microorganisms work with plants to absorb nutrients from the soil. This helps plants grow and keeps ecosystems healthy.
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Decomposition:
Microorganisms break down dead organic matter, such as leaves and dead animals, into simpler compounds through the process of decomposition. This releases essential nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus back into the soil, where they can be taken up by plants and other organisms.
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Nitrogen fixation:
Certain bacteria, such as Rhizobium species, can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, a process known as nitrogen fixation. This helps to replenish the soil with nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth and ecosystem functioning.
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Nutrient assimilation:
Microorganisms can assimilate nutrients from their environment and make them available to other organisms in the ecosystem. For example, mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, helping them absorb nutrients such as phosphorus and water from the soil.
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