Agricultural application of nitrogen fertilizer
A) reduces global warming by increasing the storage of carbon dioxide in plant biomass.
B) increases global warming by increasing microbial respiration in agricultural soils.
C) increases global warming by increasing the production of nitrous oxide (N₂O) by denitrification in agricultural soils.
D) has little to no effect on the carbon cycle.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fertilizer can lead to increased production of nitrous oxide (N₂O) through denitrification in agricultural soils. N₂O is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential about 300 times that of carbon dioxide. Therefore, the application of nitrogen fertilizer can contribute to increased global warming.

Agricultural Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer