What is one major outcome of nutrient cycling in ecosystems?

Nutrient cycling plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. It involves the continuous movement and transformation of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium through different components of the ecosystem, including the soil, plants, animals, and microorganisms.

This cycling ensures that essential nutrients are available for plant growth, which in turn supports herbivores and, subsequently, carnivores. By facilitating these processes, nutrient cycling promotes overall health and stability within ecosystems, allowing for diverse plant and animal communities to thrive.

A well-functioning nutrient cycle contributes to soil fertility, supports food webs, and helps in the regulation of various ecological processes, ultimately fostering resilience against environmental changes and disturbances. Therefore, the maintenance of ecosystem balance is a fundamental outcome of effective nutrient cycling.