Nitrifying bacteria participate in the nitrogen cycle mainly by ________.
A) converting nitrogen gas to ammonia
B) releasing ammonium from organic compounds, thus returning it to the soil
C) converting ammonium to nitrate, which plants absorb
D) incorporating nitrogen into amino acids and organic compounds

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nitrifying bacteria are primarily involved in the conversion of ammonium (NH4+) into nitrate (NO3-), a form of nitrogen that plants can readily absorb and use for growth. This process is a key step in the nitrogen cycle, facilitating the availability of nitrogen to plants in a usable form.

Nitrifying Bacteria Participate in the Nitrogen Cycle Mainly by ________