What are the natural processes known as that are responsible for recycling nutrients in ecosystems?

Nutrient cycles refer to the natural processes through which essential nutrients are recycled within ecosystems, supporting life by making these nutrients available to organisms. Key examples of nutrient cycles include the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, phosphorus cycle, and sulfur cycle.

These cycles involve various biogeochemical processes, such as decomposition, where organic matter is broken down, releasing nutrients back into the soil or water, and assimilation, where plants absorb these nutrients. The cyclical nature ensures that nutrients are reused and re-enter the food web, maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems.

In contrast, energy cycles, atmospheric cycles, and soil cycles do not specifically focus on the recycling of nutrients. Energy cycles pertain to the flow of energy through an ecosystem, from sunlight to producers and then to consumers and decomposers. Atmospheric cycles involve the movement and transformation of gases in the atmosphere, while soil cycles generally relate to soil formation and its physical and chemical properties rather than the specific recycling of nutrients.