What is atmospheric deposition in relation to nitrogen?

Atmospheric deposition refers to the process through which nitrogen from the atmosphere is deposited onto the earth's surface, primarily through precipitation such as rain or snow. This input can take the form of nitrogen oxides (NOx) or ammonia (NH3), which originate from both natural sources and human activities, such as vehicle emissions and agricultural practices.

Understanding atmospheric deposition is crucial in nutrient management, particularly in areas where nitrogen levels can become excessive due to combined inputs from fertilizers and atmospheric sources. This nitrogen input can significantly influence soil fertility and water quality, as it can contribute to nutrient loading in aquatic systems, leading to potential environmental issues such as eutrophication.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of atmospheric deposition in relation to nitrogen. Loss of nitrogen due to leaching describes a different process, while nitrogen loss from the soil implies processes like denitrification rather than deposition from the atmosphere. The conversion of nitrogen in plants pertains more to biological processes such as nitrogen fixation and assimilation, which are also distinct from the concept of atmospheric deposition.