How does removing trees affect nitrogen cycling in a forest ecosystem? A. After clearcutting, more soil nitrogen was exported via runoff, ultimately accumulating in the lake. B. After clearcutting, plant uptake stopped and nitrogen accumulated in the soil. C. After clearcutting, plant uptake stopped but denitrification increased, limiting the flow of nitrogen from the soil to the lake. D. Clearcutting does not appear to affect nitrogen cycling; only acid rain does.

Question

Biology

Gideon Keller

11 February, 16:36

How does removing trees affect nitrogen cycling in a forest ecosystem? A. After clearcutting, more soil nitrogen was exported via runoff, ultimately accumulating in the lake. B. After clearcutting, plant uptake stopped and nitrogen accumulated in the soil. C. After clearcutting, plant uptake stopped but denitrification increased, limiting the flow of nitrogen from the soil to the lake. D. Clearcutting does not appear to affect nitrogen cycling; only acid rain does.

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Lea Haynes · Answer 1

B. After clearcutting, plant uptake stopped and nitrogen accumulated in the soil.

Explanation: Clear cutting leaves the soil bare and allows for direct penetration of sunlight this increases the soil temperature which favors the activity of soil microrganism. This microrganism activity increase the production of ammonium and nitrate hence the increase in soil Nitrogen level. Clearcutting then allows for accumulation of Nitrogen produce due to removal of plant or forest tree that could use up the Nitrogen produced.