IB ESS HL 5.1.11 Soil in element recycling Question Bank
Practise IB ESS SL/HL 005.001.011 by applying soil in element recycling concepts to exam-style environmental systems questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Practise IB ESS SL/HL 005.001.011 by applying soil in element recycling concepts to exam-style environmental systems questions.

Figure Types and causes of soil degradation globally

Figure Soil profile and the relative proportions of each type of microorganism at increasing depth
Outline one role that microorganisms play in soil ecosystems.
a. Decomposition of dead organic matter (preventing its accumulation/improving soil structure/water retention ability);
b. Conversion of organic matter into inorganic minerals (mineralization) (for plant uptake);
c. Perform nutrient cycling making nitrogen/phosphorus/nutrients available for plants;
d. Nitrogen fixation enriches soil with nitrogen;
e. Nitrification releases nitrates for plant uptake;
f. Denitrification removes soil nitrates;
g. Source of food to higher trophic levels;