Soil nutrient cycle processes

Soil nutrient cycle processes refer to the biogeochemical cycles—such as the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon cycles—that regulate the transformation, availability, and movement of nutrients within soil ecosystems. These cycles are driven by intricate interactions among soil microorganisms, plant roots, macro- and mesobiota, and abiotic factors. Microbial communities play a central role in processes including mineralization (release of nutrients from organic matter), nitrogen fixation (conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to bioavailable forms), nitrification, denitrification, and mycorrhizal symbiosis, which collectively ensure plant access to essential nutrients. Human management practices (e.g., fertilizer use, tillage, pollution) greatly influence these cycles—often disrupting natural balances and threatening soil fertility and ecosystem function. The concept encompasses ecological, agricultural, and soil science perspectives rather than the molecular structure or therapeutic targeting familiar from drug discovery.

Other names

Nutrient cyclingSoil nutrient cyclingBiogeochemical nutrient cycling