Loss of ammonia gas from soil is influenced by which factors?

The correct answer is rooted in the relationship between soil moisture and temperature and the process of ammonia volatilization. Ammonia gas is lost from the soil primarily through volatilization, which occurs when ammonium ions become ammonia gas due to certain environmental conditions.

Soil moisture plays a critical role in this process. When the soil is overly saturated with water, it can lead to a less favorable environment for volatilization because the water can inhibit the release of ammonia gas. Conversely, when the soil is too dry, there is limited moisture to support the ammonium's conversion to ammonia, impacting gas loss. Therefore, optimal soil moisture levels facilitate the volatilization process.

Temperature also significantly impacts ammonia loss. Higher temperatures can increase the rate of chemical reactions, including those that facilitate the conversion of ammonium to ammonia. As temperatures rise, the vapor pressure of ammonia increases, resulting in greater losses of ammonia gas.

While soil texture and structure, light conditions and atmospheric pressure, and plant type and root system might have effects on various soil properties or processes, they do not directly influence the volatilization of ammonia in the same manner as moisture and temperature. Therefore, these factors are less relevant to understanding the loss of ammonia gas from soil.