Nutrient cycling and recycling is the movement of elements through ecosystem components. Nutrient cycling and recycling is a delicate balance. Within any system, an excess or lack of a specific nutrient(s) can be catastrophic. Human activity, such as development, pollution, or deforestation can severely alter/affect nutrient cycles in the environment.
Wang, Deane. “Nutrient and Biogeochemical Cycling.” Berkshire Encyclopedia of Sustainability. Ed. Robin Kundis Craig, et al. Vol. 5: Ecosystems Management and Sustainability. Great Barrington, MA: Berkshire, 2012. 270-274. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 15 Jan. 2014.<http://go.galegroup.com/ps/retrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=RELEVANCE&inPS=true&prodId=GVRL&userGroupName=nclivedc&tabID=T003&searchId=R2&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&contentSegment=&searchType=BasicSearchForm¤tPosition=1&contentSet=GALE%7CCX3476600069&&docId=GALE|CX3476600069&docType=GALE>
Vitousek, Peter M., and Pamela A. Matson. “Nutrient Cycling and Biogeochemistry Peter M. Vitousek and Pamela A. Matson.” The Princeton Guide to Ecology. Ed. Simon A. Levin. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2009. [330]-339.Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 15 Jan. 2014.<http://go.galegroup.com/ps/retrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=RELEVANCE&inPS=true&prodId=GVRL&userGroupName=nclivedc&tabID=T003&searchId=R2&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&contentSegment=&searchType=BasicSearchForm¤tPosition=2&contentSet=GALE%7CCX1720800052&&docId=GALE|CX1720800052&docType=GALE#p374>
Picture: http://web.vims.edu/bio/shallowwater/ecosystem_processes/nutrient_cycling.html