Newbie with 2 questions

[nagproductions]

Hi everyone,
First my apologies for cross posting. I am chasing information and would really appreciate the help.

My questions to the forum are, what are the types of legumes or trees that absorb co2 (carbon dioxide) from their roots? We are working on a research project, and I would like to have some leads to offer the students.

Also what is a good book which explains how plants convert soil substances into other forms of soil nutriants? I remember (poorly I admit) that one particular plant could turn soil nutrient into nitrogen ( i think it was either lucerne or soya beans - that was 15 years when I looked at it).
So that is why I am looking for a simple book that explains which plants convert which nutrients into new nutrients, so the students can read it in siimple English.

thanks for any advice,
Sincerely,
Nicolas

[9anda1f]

Welcome Nicolas,

Although I can't tell from your post how old your students are, one of the best books for describing the inner workings of plants and their cycles is "Reaching for the Sun: How Plants Work" by John King

http://www.amazon.com/Reaching-Sun-How-Plants-Work/dp/0521587387

An online description of the carbon, nitrogen, etc cycles can be found at:

http://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/e54/54d.htm

and:

http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/chapter9.html

Hope this helps. Perhaps others will recommend better materials. What age are your students?

9anda1f

[nagproductions]

Thanks 9and1f,

I have looked at the links and will now proceed to look at them more closely. Will try to get the book by King also.

Sincerely,
Nicolas