Which of the following processes does not contribute to the maintenance of the nitrogen content of the soil?
Answer Details
Denitrification is the process that does not contribute to the maintenance of nitrogen content in the soil.
Denitrification is the conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas, which is released into the atmosphere. This process occurs under anaerobic conditions and is usually carried out by bacteria. Since nitrogen gas is not usable by plants, denitrification reduces the amount of available nitrogen in the soil.
On the other hand, the other processes listed contribute to the maintenance of nitrogen content in the soil. Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into a form that plants can use, and nitrification is the conversion of ammonium into nitrate, which is also a form of nitrogen that plants can use. Decomposition is the breakdown of organic matter, which releases nitrogen and other nutrients back into the soil. All of these processes help to maintain a healthy and fertile soil for plant growth.