step 1: nitrogen fixation- conversion of atmospheric no₂ into forms useful to plants by lightning, bacteria, and cyanobacteria.
step 2: nitrification-process of converting ammonia to nitrite or nitrate.
step 3: assimilation-plant roots absorb new form of nitrogen.
step 4: ammonification-conversion of organic nitrogen to ammonia by bacteria involved in decomposition.
step 5: denitrification-bacteria turns the decomposed matter back into n₂o, which is released into atmosphere; repeat cycle.