Under natural conditions, the amount of nitrogen gas returned to the atmosphere by denitrification approximately balances
A) phosphorus cycling
B) evaporation
C) nitrogen fixation
D) sublimation
E) photosynthesis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Denitrification is the process by which nitrogen gas is returned to the atmosphere by certain bacteria in soil and water. This process balances the amount of nitrogen fixed by other bacteria and plants during nitrogen fixation, which is also an important process in the nitrogen cycle. Phosphorus cycling, evaporation, sublimation, and photosynthesis are not directly affected by denitrification and do not play a role in balancing the nitrogen cycle.

Under Natural Conditions, the Amount of Nitrogen Gas Returned to the Atmosphere