Question

microorganisms found in the soil need oxygen for fuel. when the soil is waterlogged, there is not enough oxygen. this is due to the water filling in the spaces between the soil particles. the microorganisms can get some oxygen from the nitrite and nitrate forms of nitrogen in the soil. while obtaining oxygen in this way, nitrogen and nitrous oxide are formed. what is this process known as when the gases are released back into the atmosphere in the nitrogen cycle? a ammonification b nitrification c denitrification d nitrogen fixation

Explanation:

Denitrification is the process where nitrate and nitrite in the soil are converted into nitrogen and nitrous oxide gases and released back into the atmosphere, especially in water - logged soil conditions where oxygen is limited. Ammonification is the conversion of organic nitrogen to ammonium. Nitrification is the oxidation of ammonium to nitrite and then to nitrate. Nitrogen fixation is the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia by nitrogen - fixing bacteria. The described process of forming nitrogen and nitrous oxide and releasing them back into the atmosphere is denitrification.

Answer:

C. denitrification