What describes the movement and transformation of nutrients in ecosystems?

The concept of nutrient cycling is fundamental in understanding ecosystem dynamics. It refers to the continuous movement and transformation of essential nutrients through the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem. This process is crucial for maintaining ecosystem productivity and health.

Nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur are passed through various forms and organisms within an ecosystem. For example, plants take up inorganic nutrients from the soil, animals consume these plants, and as they excrete waste or decompose after death, those nutrients are returned to the soil. Microorganisms play a significant role in breaking down organic matter, aiding in the transformation and availability of these nutrients for plants again.

This cycling ensures that essential minerals and elements remain available for use by different organisms, supporting life and ecological balance. In contrast, the other options, while relevant to agriculture and ecosystem management, do not encapsulate the comprehensive process of nutrient movement and transformation as effectively as nutrient cycling does.