The table describes stages in the nitrogen cycle.
Complete the table by naming or describing each stage.
The first one has been done for you.
| Description of stage | Name of stage |
|---|---|
| Plants absorb nitrates from the soil to synthesise amino acids and proteins. | assimilation |
| Decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down nitrogenous waste and dead organic matter, releasing ammonium ions. | |
| Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonium ions into nitrite ions, and then into nitrate ions. | |
| denitrification |
An excessive application of synthetic nitrate fertilisers to a sloped golf course results in significant run-off into an adjacent slow-flowing stream.
Describe the biological consequences of this run-off on the stream ecosystem.
