The cyclic exchange of different chemical elements between the living and non-living component of the biosphere is called biogeochemical cycle. Bio means organisms and geo means earth. Movement of chemical elements takes place in back and forth direction in a circular path between organisms and environment. Soil is the source of the necessary mineral elements in a terrestrial ecosystem. These elements are absorbed by the roots of vascular plants or through fixation by soil microorganisms. The material that is found in the non- living components of the earth in large amounts is called reservoir pool. Biogeochemical cycles have three groups:
- Gaseous cycles: In this case reservoir pool is gaseous environment. The gaseous type includes nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle etc.
- Hydric cycles: In this case, the reservoir pool is water. Hydric cycle includes hydrological cycle
- Sedimentary cycles: In this case, the reservoir pools are rocks. The sedimentary type includes sulphur and phosphorus cycle.
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