Nutrient cycling
What Nutrient cycling means in Geography A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Nutrient cycling
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Nutrient cycling in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Slow decomposition of organic matter restricts nutrient cycling, demonstrating a tightly coupled, fragile ecosystem.
The process by which rapid decomposition of the annual leaf fall maintains deep, nutrient-rich brown earth soils.
Continuous cycling of materials such as carbon and nitrogen through the system.
Topics that use Nutrient cycling
- Ecosystems and processes (AQA A-Level)
- Ecosystems in the British Isles over time (AQA A-Level)
- The nature and distribution of cold environments (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Adaptation
- Climatic climax
- Ecological succession
- Plagioclimax
- Ecological efficiency
- Ecosystem interactions
- Ecosystem productivity
- Energy dynamics
Using Nutrient cycling in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Geography questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge