PACALNA, ANIFAH B.

BSA-3rd year
WEEK 1 ULOa
C. Let’s Check

Activity 1
A. Using the image below enumerate five (5) abiotic components found in that
ecosystem and explain how these components affects the ecosystem.

Source:https://onlinesciencenotes.com/ecosystem-structure-components-and-functions/
1. WATER- this component affects the ecosystem as this is essential and is part of the key
components for photosynthesis, propelling plant growth. It also serves as the living environment
of other living organisms such as fishes. Furthermore, it affects the ecosystem in such a way that
it supports living organisms to survive and grow.
2. SUNLIGHT- this serves as the main source of energy on Earth, providing warm to the earth’s
atmosphere which is equally important abiotic factor. Through sunlight, plants are able to grow.
Specifically, it is also a key factor for photosynthesis, a process where plants use carbon dioxide
and water to make sugar, plants food which later becomes animals’ food.
3. SOIL- provides nutrients to nurture plants to maturity. Particularly, plants use their roots to
get water and nutrients from the soil. Soil acts a water filter and a growing medium. Moreover, it
provides habitat for billions of organisms.
4. TEMPERATURE- this affects the physiology of living things. It likewise gives a strong
influence to living organisms, especially, for animals that are unable to regulate their own
temperature. For instance, reptiles which are typically found in warm regions would regulate
their temperature through sunning themselves on the rocks, which absorb heat from sunlight and
then radiate heat back into the environment.
5. OXYGEN- this is another important abiotic component that affect many living organisms in
an ecosystem. Without oxygen, living organisms using oxygen would not be able to survive.
Oxygen is produced by green plants through the process of photosynthesis and is therefore
directly linked to sunlight.
Activity 2

Look at the food web below then answer the ff. question.

1. Name two producers. The two producers are the land plants and tiny water plants.

2. Name three consumers. Insects, frog, fox

3. Write a food chain from this food web with 5 organisms.

From the figure above, it can be seen how energy is passed by the organism. Tiny
water plants as producers create their own food which enables them to survive without
consuming other organisms. Water fleas as primary consumer eat the tiny water plants
and get eaten by the diving beetle, a secondary consumer. The diving beetle then is eaten
by a frog which is later on consumed by a fox. Later, when organism dies, decomposers
in the soil decompose the organism.

4. Name the animals that the fish eats. Water fleas and diving beetle

5. Name the animals that eat the small fish. Perch and heron

6. Explain what would happen to the community if all the frogs suddenly died.

If all frogs were to die suddenly, there will be an imbalance in the ecosystem
since frogs are important in the food chain. Certainly, if frogs die, the number of insects
for instance would grow since frogs would be inexistent which would cause plant
destruction that could possibly lead to a disease outbreak. This would result further to
damage on food production since insects are plant eaters or herbivores. On the other
hand, animals which eat frogs might die as well from hunger.

D. Let’s Analyze
Analyze the given situation below and explain how various factors affect the biotic and abiotic
components in the ecosystem.

1. A 50 hectares area of trees are removed from the tropical rainforest. How will this affect the
amount of oxygen in the area? The living organisms that lived in that area?

The removal of trees from tropical rainforest or simply known as deforestation can
negatively impact and cause climate change. These tropical rain forests cover a massive area of
Earth’s land and considered as the most important source for oxygen. Without this oxygen, living
organisms like humans, animals, and plant life won’t be able to survive. Trees are very important
as it produces earth’s much needed oxygen and at the same time remove carbon dioxide from the
air. The capturing of this carbon dioxide helps stabilize the Earth’s climate. Therefore, the
removal of the 50 hectares area of trees can cause a limited amount of oxygen in that area and
due to the limited amount of oxygen, many living organisms in that area may not survive.

2. If human continue to hunt snakes and other reptiles that eat rat in the forest area, what would
happen to the species of rat in that area? is there any abiotic factors affected? If yes, what and
why.
If human continues to hunt snakes and other reptiles that eat rat, the prey (rat) species
would proliferate or gets out of control. Certainly, in the absence of a key predator, the numbers
of their prey species would increase causing a change through the ecosystem and may result to
considerable damage. Moreover, the increase in population of rats entails no effect on abiotic
factors since it is the abiotic factors that affect the ability of organisms to survive and reproduce.
It is the abiotic components that support the living organisms so as such organisms would be able
to sustain and develop. Hence, abiotic factors help identify the type and numbers of organisms
that would be able to subsist within that particular area.
E. In a Nutshell
In your own idea, define ecosystem.
Generally, ecosystem pertains to a community or realm of living organisms along with
their natural habitat and the nonliving components of the environment that live in and collaborate
with each other in a certain environment to create a form of life. Ecosystems includes two major
components: (1) biotic, those living organisms living in the system which includes plants,
animals, and other organisms and (2) abiotic, which refers to the non-living elements of the
system such as air, water, sunlight, nutrients and temperature. Ecosystem can be of any size such
as a pond, puddle, and even you, as an individual are an ecosystem to thousands of
microorganisms that dwell in you. Additionally, each organism in an ecosystem has a role to
play to keep such geographic area habitable. Therefore, ecosystem is very important because it
stimulates various food chains and if we continue to pollute it, there is a probability that we
would go extinct and Earth wouldn’t be habitable anymore.
WEEK 1 ULOb
C. Let’s Check
Activity 1
A. Using your knowledge about nutrients and understanding about biotic components, fill the
chart below. (Note: Select only one biotic component and give its characteristics).

Nutrients C. Let’s Check

Biotic Component

 NITROGEN Plants (Producers)

 PHOSPORUS
 Able to produce their own
 SULFUR food through the process of
 POTASSIUM photosynthesis
 CARBON

How these nutrients influence/ affect your selected biotic component?

These nutrients can affect plants in variety of ways. (1) Nitrogen, as a crucial nutrient for the
survival of living organisms could greatly influence the growth of the plants. Lack of nitrogen
may hinder the plant in growing well, however too much of such nutrient may also harm the
plants. (2) Phosphorus on the other hand helps in transfer of energy in plants which
promotes root growth. Meanwhile, (3) sulfur helps plants in resisting diseases, supports
growth, and in seed formation. Also, it is essential in the process of producing proteins and
Activity 2
enzymes. Also,(4) potassium supports growth regulation, promoting healthy crop
production.
How does biotic Lack of such nutrient
component affect themay impairofplants’
nutrients ability Use
a ecosystem? to function
the chartitsbelow
processes
in well.
answering
Lastly, (5)this question.
carbon, like the other nutrients affects plants in in terms of plant growth.

Biotic Component

Biotic components are the participants in the food web which depends on each other and the
ecosystem for nutrients for survival. In nature, plant and animal residue are broken down in the
soil by microbes to create nutrients that are readily available for plant uptake.

Nutrients in the Ecosystem

The nutrients serve as the structural membrane of the ecosystem which gives more life to the
environment. A biotic component affects the nutrients in the ecosystem in several ways.
Nutrients can get into soil from decomposed animal waste and dead plants. These nutrients
help the soil to be healthy for plant growth. Some biotic components can synthesize their own
nutrients, however most organisms depend nutrients from others. Therefore, biotic
D. Let’s Analyze
components affect significantly nutrients in the ecosystem to sustain life.
Activity 1: Essay
1. Identify ways in which unsustainable agricultural practices may lead directly and indirectly to
a loss of nutrients in soil.
Some ways of agricultural practices that causes loss of soil nutrients include
monocropping, use of heavy synthetic fertilizer, pesticide use, and employing mechanical tillage
and heavy farm equipment which causes soil compaction (leads to poor water absorption and
stunted root growth in plants) and erosion (wearing away of the topsoil that contains natural
nutrients and organic material necessary for plants to grow well). Monocropping is the practice
of growing the same crop on the same plot of land each year. This agricultural practice lessens
the nutrients in soil making the soil becoming less productive over time. It also causes significant
erosion.
2. Why eutrophication is not good in the ecosystem? How do this affect the non-living
component in ecosystem being affected?
While nutrients is essential to our ecosystem, too much of it can cause negative impact.
This event is called eutrophication. Eutrophication is not good in the ecosystem because it has
multiple effects to non-living components of the ecosystem. It is not good for it results to algal
blooms, disrupting normal ecosystem functioning. Also, this leads to low oxygen in the water as
algae may use up all oxygen, which may kill other aquatic life. In addition, algal bloom may
block sunlight which is essential for photosynthesis by aquatic plants. Further, algae produce
toxic or harmful effects on people, aquatic animals, and other forms of life.
E. In a Nutshell
Activity 1. How important are nutrients in the environment?
Nutrients are very essential in the environment as it is considered necessary element in
the sustenance of people, plants, animals, and all other organisms. Nutrients are helpful in
breaking down food to provide organism with energy. Plants absorb nutrients from soil and
water and are able to make their own food and manufacture their own nutrients. While plants or
other autotrophs are normally independent to other biotic components, most organisms like
humans and animals rely on nutrients created by autotrophs. Nutrients are very important to
every process as it supports vital functions including growth. Moreover, Lack of nutrients may
not be able to support much living organism and much worst, without it, community may
collapse. However, too much of it may also cause disruptions in the ecosystem. Hence, it is
important to emphasize balance of nutrients.

WEEK 2 ULOa
C. Let’s Check
Activity 1
 Concept Map.
Using your knowledge about biomes and other resources fill the concept map below.

Polar Bear Penguins Camel Sidewinder

Birch Tree Willow Tree Animals Animals Prickly cactus Mexican Poppies

Plants Tundra Desert Plants

Water Lilies
Plants Plants Seagrass

Algae
Seaweed

Freshwater Biomes Marine

Turtles Animals Animals Dolphins

Frogs Whales
Grassland Forest

Plants Plants

Activity 2
Animals Animals
Biome Characteristic
Sunflower
Buffalo Grass Ferns Lichen
s
Using your knowledge and other resources about biomes, complete the table below by placing a
check mark in Coyotes
the columnZebras
for the biome
Monkeythat hasSnakes
that characteristic. For some characteristics,
more than one biome may be checked.

Characteristics Tundra Grassland Forest Desert

1. Very hot and cool /
nights.
2. Trees with needle- /
shaped leaves grow
3. Used as farmland /
4. How and wet all /
year
 5. Permafrost /

D. Let’s Analyze
Propose a way to protect the marine life (the ocean) against the pollution cause by humans.
“Be active and Support coastal or marine clean-up and employ Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle”
To protect the marine life (the ocean) in the most realistic and applicable way for the
public is to enforce coastal or marine clean-up and encourage the people to practice the common
3Rs which is reduce, reuse, and recycle. This strategy might be the oldest, but it is the purest and
easiest way to help sustain and maintain a clean environment not only for the people, but also for
the life in the ocean. Participating in coastal clean-up by picking up rubbish is a helpful way to
begin respecting our environment to lessen pollution. Due to the garbage and plastics used and
thrown by people, some species are too much affected. For instance, turtles mistake plastic bags
for jellyfish and other animals get stuck in plastic wrappings. These basic problems can also be
treated with basic solutions such as keeping your own trash and avoid throwing it in public and
even in the coastal areas. By doing this simple acts and provided with knowledge on how to
reduce, reuse, and recycle materials, it wouldn’t be impossible to have a pollution-free place in
the near future. Through this, it can be reflected that the best way to protect the life of others start
from you and the values you keep and hold.
E. In a Nutshell
Create your own mnemonic about world biomes.

To easily remember the biomes of the world, remember:

“My Fancy Dream Featured Great Things”

My -Marine
Fancy -Freshwater
Dream -Desert
Featured -Forest
WEEK 2 ULOb
Great -Grassland
WEEK 2 ULOb Things -Tundra
C. Let’s Check
Activity 1
A. Essay
1. What is the difference between illegal logging and deforestation?
 The terms illegal logging and deforestation are usually used interchangeably.
However, both terms are quite dissimilar things. Generally, deforestation refers to the
destruction of forest for any reason, either legal or illegal in nature. Usually it refers to the
clear-cutting of forests to construct new agricultural or plantation land or makes room for
something else besides a forest, whereas illegal logging commonly pertains to the selective
cutting down of rare and valuable trees for their wood which is to be processed, transported,
bought and sold in contravention to national or international laws. Persons involved in an
illegal logging activity can be thought of as tree poachers. Notwithstanding the difference
between illegal logging and deforestation, both are extremely harmful and destructive to the
environment which must lessen as much as possible.

2. What are the threats of coral reef ecosystem in the Philippines?

Since most coral reefs are found in shallow water near the shore, it is highly vulnerable to
the effects of human activities such as physical damage from coastal development, dredging,
destructive fishing techniques such as cyanide poisoning and over-fishing, and recreational
misuse. Also, threats to coral reef ecosystem include pollution coming from land which goes to
coastal waters such as toxic substances like metals, organic chemicals and pesticides found in
industrial discharges, sunscreens, urban and agricultural runoff, mining activities, and runoff
from landfills; trash  and  micro-plastics  from improper disposal and storm water runoff; and
deforestation and urbanization that result in harmful sediment spilling into the sea. There are
even more threats to coral reef ecosystem but those are just some of the common threats.
3. How important mangrove forest to various species and nearby community?
Mangroves, sea grass beds, and coral reefs work as a single framework or system which
maintains coastal zones healthy. Mangroves offer essential home and environment to various
of species. Also, they alleviate shorelines, slowing erosion and guarding the land from waves
and storms wherein people who live in there are kept protected. In other words, mangrove
forest is very important as they serve as first line of defense for coastal communities, providing
natural barriers protecting coastal communities from increased storm surge, flooding, and
hurricanes. More than anything else, mangrove forests are extremely productive ecosystems,
providing critical services that benefit all of us.
4. What are the issues and problems faced by agricultural ecosystem?
Farmers must meet the changing needs of our planet and the expectations of regulators,
consumers, and food processors and retailers. There are increasing pressures from climate
change, soil erosion and biodiversity loss and from consumers’ changing tastes in food and
concerns about how it is produced and the natural world that farming works with (plants, pests
and diseases) continue to pose their own challenges.
Farmers need to deal with many problems, including how to: cope with climate change,
soil erosion and biodiversity loss; satisfy consumers’ changing tastes and expectations; meet
rising demand for more food of higher quality; invest in farm productivity; adopt and learn new
technologies; stay resilient against global economic factors; and inspire young people to stay in
rural areas and become future farmers
D. Let’s Analyze
Activity 1. Proposal
Propose a project that could benefit a local community in protecting and conserving the
ecosystem where they live in. Fill the information below:

Name of Project: KALIKASAN: A Clean and Green Project

Location of Project: Barangay Zone III, Digos City
Objectives of the Project:
This project aims to uphold a ground-breaking environmental justice strategy
throughout the local community through keeping and maintaining the cleanliness of
sidewalks and drainage of the barangay, promote proper segregation of trash, prevent
worsening conditions in our over-burdened neighbourhoods, and advocating tree planting.

Rationale of the Project:

“KALIKASAN: A Clean and Green Project” is a viable environmental strategy proposed
to maintain cleanliness in our local barangay to reduce the amount of existing pollution that may
harm the environment, as well as the people and animals living in the area. The project is very
essential as it promotes safety of the people, and mitigate and reduce future hazard impacts. The
project will further improve issues of sanitation among the in each houses and will include
imposing of rules such as controlling usage of plastic bags. This project is a monthly activity of
the local barangay wherein people in the said area and other volunteers are tasked to reduce
waste and incorporate tree planting. With the implementation of the project, it is expected that
residents will learn to value and protect the ecosystem.
Pre-implementation and Implementation Processes:
In the Pre-implementation process of this project, it is expected that the leaders of the
barangay will go under proper meetings and create policies to ensure the safety of the people and
the volunteers, as well as, to ensure that the main objectives of the project will be attained
successfully. Also, fund raising will be part of the pre-implementation process. in line with the
clean and green project, support from local barangay and municipality will be sought for start-up.
These funds will be used to buy materials relevant to the conduct of project such as cleaning
materials and materials for enhanced beautification. Moreover, some funds will be allocated for
purchase of seedlings which will be planted to open spaces.
In the implementation phase, it will start by giving a brief seminar about awareness to
people which will be followed by the clean-up drive. This would be done at the end of each
month. Leaders are expected to effectively lead the volunteers and constantly monitor the area
even after the clean-up. Drainage will be properly monitored, kept cleaned, covered, and ensure
that there are no barriers to keep the flow of water. On the other hand, tree planting will also be
conducted to areas with enough space to grow trees. This project would be of great help to
increase the quantity of trees in our locality, and serve as an alternative solution to destructive
people who illegally cut trees. Lastly, the project will be regularly monitored and followed up to
ensure that goals are accomplished.
E. In a Nutshell
Slogan Making. Create a slogan from the topic: Ecosystem in the Philippines.

Threat to Biodiversity is a
Threat to Future Humanity;
Live, love, and protect the ecosystem so tomorrow’s
generation will not live as victims.

WEEK 3A ULOa
C. Let’s Check
Activity 1
List three (3) natural and anthropogenic sources of carbon emission. Explain how these sources
affect the components of the Earth.

Natural Anthropogenic
(Man-made)

1. Decomposition 1. Burning of fossil fuels

2. Ocean Release 2. Deforestation

3. Respiration 3. Cement Production

 Their effects to Earth’s components
The effect of these natural and anthropogenic activities has led to an
extensively increase of carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere and
has reached dangerous levels since the industrial revolution. Carbon
emissions affect the Earth’s components significantly, causing global
warming and eventually, climate change. When climate inherently changes,
becoming warmer, it causes extreme weather events like tropical storms and
severeWEEK 3A ULOb
droughts. While an increase in carbon in the air can have some
positive effects to plants and crops, this may also be detrimental if the
D.changes
climate Let’s Analyze
the lands, resulting to drought or other weather events that
crops Activity
and plants
1 are not able to survive in. The same goes for animals
wherein climate change modifies our environment and natural habitats.
SomeInspecies may
the future vanish
if you will altogether, while others
become the President might
of the thrive
country and overtake
(Philippines), what are things you
others. Moreover,
will carbon
do to lessen emissions
the carbon canofalso
footprint directly How
the country? affectwill
humans
you do causing
it?
respiratory disease from an increase of air pollution.
If I am to become a president of the Philippines someday, I will support and pass into law
policies and measures promoting a culture adopting low-carbon lifestyle such as improving
energy efficiency. Gradually switching to electrical appliances that are most energy-efficient and
using fuel efficient vehicles can effectively help reduce carbon footprint. Another important
thing to do is to reinforce and strengthen the liability of any tree poachers or illegal loggers. I
will certainly stop forest destruction as plants are vital in absorbing carbon dioxide, an effective
step to reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, I will encourage every family in the Philippines to
have one fewer child. This may sound ridiculous, but this will certainly save on an average of 60
tons of carbon dioxide per year, so much more than getting rid of cars and many things. This is
by far the best thing anyone could do in a developing world to reduce our emissions. But, of
course, that would be on the personal decision of a family.
Activity 2
As a student, how can you lessen your carbon footprint?
As a student, I can lessen carbon footprint by being mindful to my own decisions and
actions in relation to contributing carbon footprint. Specifically, I can apply the common 3Rs
which is reuse, reduce, and recycle to promote zero waste. Also, walking can be helpful when
going to places that can be traveled by foot, or bike can be used as well. With this, I can benefit
from working out my muscles through walking or biking besides helping the environment. In
addition, conserving water is very essential in lessening carbon footprint as drinkable water
constitutes only 1.2 percent of the three percent freshwater in the Earth and we can’t easily
produce any more consumable water. Hence, being a student is not a hindrance in helping our
planet. Actually, there’s so much more we can do to protect our environment even in our own
little and simple ways.
E. In a Nutshell
In your own words, define carbon footprint.

Carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released

into the atmosphere resulting from the activities of a particular individual or
community. Human beings as we are, we largely contribute in polluting the
atmosphere in several ways. Generally, the less we consume, the less we
pollute and the less we pollute, the less carbon dioxide we produce. So, just like
typical footprints does, carbon footprints basically are like marks that an
individual leaves in the environment with every action that releases carbons
including harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, which are driven up by burning
fossil fuels. For instance, when one travels through bus or train, you contribute
to pollution; using computers for 32 hours makes up about 1kg of carbon
dioxide; usage of 5 plastic bags or 2 plastic bottles equates to 1kg of carbon
dioxide. Therefore, you and everything you own has its own carbon footprint.
Thus, we must think about our choices and personal actions in order to reduce
the amount of our carbon footprint.

WEEK 3B ULOa

C. Let’s Check!

Activity 1

A. Make a simple diagram of nitrogen cycle and discuss your diagram.

Nitrogen in
Atmosphere
Nitrogen Fixation Denitrification

Animals Plants
Assimilation
 Bacteria
Nitrogen-fixing
bacteria living in Nitrates
legume root Decomposers
nodules
Ammonification
Nitrification
Ammonium Nitrites
Nitrifying
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria
soil bacteria

Fixation is the first step in the cycle of making nitrogen usable by plants. From this,
bacteria change nitrogen into ammonium. The ammonium gets changed into nitrates by
bacteria in the process called nitrification. Nitrates are what the plants can then absorb.
Plants then absorb nitrates from the soil into their roots, part of the assimilation process.
Then the nitrogen gets used in amino acids, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll. In the
ammonification, it entails the decaying process. When a plant or animal dies, decomposers
like fungi and bacteria turn the nitrogen back into ammonium so it can reenter the
nitrogen cycle. Further, extra nitrogen in the soil gets put back out into the air, a process
called denitrification. There are special bacteria that perform this task. Read more at: This
text is Copyright © Ducksters. Do not use without permission.

D. Let’s Analyze
B. Using your understanding and internet connection, discuss the following:
1. How important are leguminous plants in the nitrogen cycle? What are their role?
Leguminous plants are very essential to nitrogen cycle as they have essential role in the
cycle. Not all organisms have the ability to absorb nitrogen directly. Only few prokaryotes can
convert diatomic nitrogen to ammonia. This ammonia converts to amino acids, protein. Such
protein is the key source of nitrogen for all organisms which rely on plants. Specifically, only a
specific group of plant has the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen in to ammonia and this is
the leguminous plants. Hence, leguminous plants are very important in nitrogen cycle. In the root
nodules of leguminous plants there is bacteria present which is called rhizobium. Rhizobium is
free living bacteria in the soil. Whenever it recognizes the roots of leguminous plants it makes
the infection to root hair and established in the root by forming nodule. Inside the nodule bacteria
converts to bacteroides and produces the enzyme nitrogenase. This is the enzyme which converts
atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia. But this enzyme is very sensitive to oxygen. So to remove
oxygen from the nodule host plant produces leghemoglobin, acts as oxygen scavenger. During
the entry of bacteria into host plant root hair, it creates infection thread, (a narrow tube like
opening in the root hair ) through which atmospheric nitrogen enters to nodule. In the nodule,
Nitrogen undergoes reduction to convert to Ammonia by the activity of nitrogenase enzyme.
This process is called as nitrogen fixation. The ammonia formed is toxic to plants so it
immediately converted to amino acids, and these amino acids used in the process of protein
synthesis. Thus, leguminous plants are the rich source of protein.
2. How can lightning help or participate in the nitrogen cycle?
Lightning participates in nitrogen cycle by naturally adding nitrogen to the soil. Nitrogen
in the atmosphere can be transformed into a plant-usable form, a process called nitrogen fixation,
caused by lightning. Each bolt of lightning carries electrical energy that is powerful enough to
break the strong bonds of the nitrogen molecule in the atmosphere. Once split, the nitrogen
atoms quickly bond to oxygen in the atmosphere, forming nitrogen dioxide. Along with the
lightning in the cloud are cloud droplets and raindrops. Nitrogen dioxide dissolves in water,
creating nitric acid, which forms nitrates. The nitrates fall to the ground in raindrops and seep
into the soil in a form that can be absorbed by plants. Therefore, lightning participates in nitrogen
cycle through adding nitrogen to the soil, as nitrates dissolve in precipitation. This helps plants,
but microorganisms in the soil do the vast majority of nitrogen fixation.
3. Why do mushrooms grow after a thunderstorm?
According to a research that offers a solid scientific basis for Japanese farming lore,
lightning makes mushrooms multiply. A direct hit by natural lightning would burn and kill
mushrooms but the growing and increase numbers of it occurred is caused by exposure to a
weakened charge that would travel through the soil after a nearby lightning strikes. Mushrooms
react best when exposed to a second burst of electricity at a range of 50-100,000 volts, which
causes mushrooms to give themselves a reproductive boost and increase the number of fruiting
bodies so their chance of survival would maximize. In that way, mushrooms would really
multiply and grow especially when lightning is accompanied by rain. Lightning-strength jolts of
electricity can more than double the yield of certain mushroom species compared with
conventional cultivation methods because lightning discharges combine the nitrogen and oxygen
with the rain which carries the fixed nitrogen down to help at least a little in fertilizing the soil.

E. In a Nutshell
 Create a diagram that shows the absorption of nitrogen by the plants and how it goes
back to the environment.

Nitrogen in
Atmosphere
Nitrogen Fixation Denitrification

Animals Plants
Assimilation
Denitrifying
Bacteria
Nitrogen-fixing
bacteria living in Nitrates
legume root Decomposers
nodules
Ammonification
Nitrification
Ammonium Nitrites
Nitrifying
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria
soil bacteria

WEEK 3B ULOb
C. Let’s Check

Activity 1
Below is a Venn diagram with two words in it – Synthetic fertilizer and Natural
fertilizer. Discuss each word and its similarity in terms of application in the real world.

Synthetic Natural
fertilizer fertilizer
 compounds derived from by- Both release nutrients animal parts or residues
products of the petroleum into the soil that Generally, no harm will result
industry plants need to ensure from over application or spills.
Accidental over application,
health and continued Promotes a healthy soil
including overlapping rows
growth ecosystem.
when fertilizing, can cause
Plants can’t Improves soil texture, which
lawns to burn.
distinguish the two as increases water retention,
Contribute very little to the
ecosystem or structure of nutrients are particularly important in
the soil. processed in exactly drought conditions.
Application of this actually the same way.
kills a significant percentage
of beneficial
microorganisms. 

D. Let’s Analyze

A. Research

Using the internet research any article related to environmental problems cause by excess
nitrogen. Write the title of the article, date, author, and summary of the article.

Title: The interactive effects of excess reactive nitrogen and climate change on aquatic ecosystems and
water resources of the United States

Date: October 23, 2012 Author: Baron, J. et al

Summary:

Nearly all freshwaters and coastal zones of the US are degraded from inputs of excess reactive
nitrogen (Nr), sources of which are runoff, atmospheric N deposition, and imported food and feed. Some
major adverse effects include harmful algal blooms, hypoxia of fresh and coastal waters, ocean
acidification, long-term harm to human health, and increased emissions of greenhouse gases. Nitrogen
fluxes to coastal areas and emissions of nitrous oxide from waters have increased in response to N inputs.
Denitrification and sedimentation of organic N to sediments are important processes that divert N from
downstream transport. Aquatic ecosystems are particularly important denitrification hotspots. Carbon
storage in sediments is enhanced by Nr, but whether carbon is permanently buried is unknown. The effect
of climate change on N transport and processing in fresh and coastal waters will be felt most strongly
through changes to the hydrologic cycle, whereas N loading is mostly climate-independent. Alterations in
precipitation amount and dynamics will alter runoff, thereby influencing both rates of Nr inputs to aquatic
ecosystems and groundwater and the water residence times that affect Nr removal within aquatic systems.
Both infrastructure and climate change alter the landscape connectivity and hydrologic residence time that
are essential to denitrification. While Nr inputs to and removal rates from aquatic systems are influenced
by climate and management, reduction of N inputs from their source will be the most effective means to
prevent or to minimize environmental and economic impacts of excess Nr to the nation's water resources.