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Which two distinct microbial processes are responsible for the release of fixed nitrogen as dinitrogen gas (N₂) to the atmosphere?

1. Anaerobic ammonium oxidation, and denitrification
2. Aerobic nitrate oxidation, and nitrite reduction
3. Decomposition of organic nitrogen, and conversion of dinitrogen to ammonium compounds
4. Enteric fermentation in cattle, and nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium in root nodules of legumes

Correct answer: Anaerobic ammonium oxidation, and denitrification

Solution

Anammox and denitrification are the main microbial processes that return fixed nitrogen to the atmosphere as N₂. Both are loss pathways for bioavailable nitrogen, unlike nitrification, decomposition, or nitrogen fixation.

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