If the number of nitrifying bacteria decreased, what effect would this have on the nitrogen cycle and what type of compounds would accumulate as a result

If the number of nitrifying bacteria decreased, the nitrogen cycle would be stopped and the ammonia compounds would accumulate.

To add, the nitrogen cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which nitrogen is converted into various chemical forms as it circulates among the atmosphere and terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

the overall balanced equation

6co2 + 6h2o > c6h12o6 + 6o2

sunlight energy

where: co2 = carbon dioxide

h2o = water

light energy is required

c6h12o6 = glucose

o2 = oxygen

the nitrogen cycle provides nitrogen to the ecosystem from the atmosphere, ground and oceans. nitrogen is an important component of complex molecules such as amino acids and nucleotides, which lead to the creation of proteins and dna, the building blocks of all life. plants absorb nitrogen in the form of ammonium, nitrate ion and, on rare occasions, as amino acids. animals receive nitrogen necessary for biological processes from feeding on living or dead organic matter.