AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Intensive fertilization of agricultural soils can increase the rates at which nitrogen in the form of ammonia is volatilized and lost to the air. It can also speed the microbial breakdown of ammonium and nitrates in the soil, enhancing the release of nitrous oxide.

Detailed explanation-2: -Excess nitrogen in the air can impair our ability to breathe, limit visibility and alter plant growth. Nutrient pollution is one of America’s most widespread, costly and challenging environmental problems, and is caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the air and water.

Detailed explanation-3: -Nitrogen pollution causes nitrogen-tolerant species to thrive and outcompete more sensitive wild plants and fungi. This reduces wildlife diversity and damages plant health. Excessive application of synthetic fertilisers has been shown to acidify soils too, damaging soil health and reducing the productivity of soils.