BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLING: FUNDAMENTAL PROCESSES DRIVING EARTH’S ECOSYSTEMS

Biogeochemical cycling refers to the natural movement and transformation of chemical elements and compounds between living organisms and the physical environment. These cycles—such as those of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur—are driven by biological, chemical, and physical processes that regulate the distribution and availability of essential elements for life. Biogeochemical cycles maintain ecosystem productivity and global climate stability but are increasingly disrupted by human activities. This article provides an overview of the mechanisms and ecological significance of biogeochemical cycling, highlighting how natural processes interact with anthropogenic influences to shape Earth’s biogeochemistry.