Nutrient Limitation
All organisms require certain nutrients in their surroundings (available to them) for survival. Depending upon the ecosystem, nitrogen is most likely the limiting nutrient, although phosphorus is the other primary limiting nutrient and these two elements interact chemically. Some organisms appear to be able to denitrify and remove phosphorus. The triple bond of N2 makes this a very stable compound; most organisms (i.e. plants) depend upon others to break this down to make it available for biochemical reactions. See Nitrification. Symbiotic relationships between Rhizobium species and legumes are well-documented.
Read more about this topic: Denitrification
Famous quotes containing the word limitation:
“...to many a mother’s heart has come the disappointment of a loss of power, a limitation of influence when early manhood takes the boy from the home, or when even before that time, in school, or where he touches the great world and begins to be bewildered with its controversies, trade and economics and politics make their imprint even while his lips are dewy with his mother’s kiss.”
—J. Ellen Foster (1840–1910)