What happens to nitrogen during the immobilization process?

During the immobilization process, nitrogen is taken up by microbes. This process occurs in the soil when microorganisms consume nitrogen from the soil or organic materials to support their growth and metabolic functions. As they incorporate this nitrogen into their own biomass, it becomes temporarily unavailable to plants.

This is an essential aspect of the nutrient cycling process in ecosystems, as it helps in breaking down organic matter and transforming nutrients into forms that can be utilized by living organisms. The uptake of nitrogen by microbes is a crucial step in maintaining soil health and fertility, and it balances the nutrients available to plants in the ecosystem. By understanding the role of immobilization, one can appreciate how nitrogen dynamics influence agricultural practices and the need for careful nutrient management in farming systems.