Question

use the graphic to help you answer the question.
what process occurs when dead plant and animal matter decomposes and nitrogen is released back into the atmosphere?
assimilation
ammonification
nitrification
denitrification

Explanation:

• Assimilation: Plants take up nitrates from the soil. It does not involve decomposition of dead matter and release of nitrogen to the atmosphere.
• Ammonification: Decomposers break down dead organic matter (dead plant and animal matter) and convert organic nitrogen into ammonium (\(NH_{4}^{+}\)). This is the process described in the question.
• Nitrification: Conversion of ammonium (\(NH_{4}^{+}\)) to nitrites (\(NO_{2}^{-}\)) and then to nitrates (\(NO_{3}^{-}\)). It is not about release of nitrogen to the atmosphere from dead matter.
• Denitrification: Conversion of nitrates (\(NO_{3}^{-}\)) to nitrogen gas (\(N_{2}\)) by denitrifying bacteria. But the key here is the decomposition of dead plant and animal matter which is ammonification.

Answer:

Ammonification