Question

How can lack of O2 be detrimental in agriculture?

A. Denitrification will take place, wasting the fertilizer (applied N) as nitrogen gas
B. Decreased root growth leading to poor nutrient absorption
C. Reduced microbial activity affecting soil fertility
D. Increased susceptibility of plants to diseases and pests

Answer 1

Lack of oxygen in agriculture can lead to denitrification, which wastes nitrogen fertilizer as gas, causes reduced root growth and absorption of nutrients, affects soil microbial activity and fertility, and increases plant susceptibility to diseases and pests.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lack of O2 can be detrimental to agriculture for several reasons. First, in oxygen-depleted conditions, denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate, which plants can utilize, into dinitrogen gas (N₂), which plants cannot use. This process of denitrification leads to a significant loss of nitrogen from soils, wasting the applied N as nitrogen gas. Second, oxygen depletion in soil can cause reduced root growth and therefore poor nutrient absorption, further harming agricultural yield. Additionally, adverse effects on microbial activity due to low oxygen levels can affect soil fertility. Finally, plants become more susceptible to diseases and pests when they are stressed, which includes stress from low oxygen conditions.