The Carbon & Nitrogen Cycles: Why They Matter for Your Lawn

Carbon cycle: plants pull CO₂ from air, use sunlight to make carbohydrates (C, H, O). Carbon returns via decay and respiration. Nitrogen cycle: atmosphere is 78% N₂, but plants need fixed nitrogen (ammonium, nitrates). Soil bacteria convert organic N → ammonium → nitrites → nitrates for plant uptake. Oxygen needed for fixation; too much inactivates nitrogenase.

Synthetic fertilizers bypass this cycle, delivering nitrogen as salts that disrupt microbial balance. Healthy soil runs these cycles naturally—microbes mineralize organic matter steadily. A saltwater aquarium vividly demonstrates the nitrogen cycle: fish waste → ammonia → ammonium → nitrites → nitrates → plant food → oxygen. Same principles govern lawn soil.

Both cycles are essential. Feed the soil (organic matter), not just the grass. Let biology do the work.