When animals and plants die and decompose, what is put back into the soil?NitritesNitrogen gasOxygenAmmonia

When animals and plants die and decompose, they go through a process called nitrogen cycle. Here are the steps:

1. Decomposition: When plants and animals die, decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down the bodies. This process releases ammonia into the soil.

2. Nitrification: The ammonia is then converted into nitrites by bacteria in the soil. This process is called nitrification.

3. Further Nitrification: Other bacteria convert these nitrites into nitrates, which plants can absorb and use to make proteins.

4. Denitrification: Some of the nitrates are converted back into nitrogen gas by bacteria and released into the atmosphere, completing the cycle.

So, to answer your question, when animals and plants die and decompose, ammonia and nitrites are put back into the soil.