Loss of nitrogen from the soil due to a fire may be offset by which of the following?
A) nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria
B) a decrease in fungi that cause plant diseases
C) mineral-rich ash produced by the fire
D) nitrogen fixed by lightning
E) All of these answers are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All the options provided contribute to offsetting the loss of nitrogen from the soil after a fire. Nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria (A) can convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants. The mineral-rich ash produced by the fire (C) can also contain nitrogen that becomes available to plants. Nitrogen fixed by lightning (D) is another natural process that adds usable nitrogen to the soil. While a decrease in fungi that cause plant diseases (B) does not directly add nitrogen to the soil, it can contribute to a healthier ecosystem that supports the processes of nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling.

Loss of Nitrogen from the Soil Due to a Fire