Ericaceous plants are an exception. Nitrification occurs most efficiently when soil pH is between 5.5-6.5. Nitrification can be completed within two to four weeks. Immobilization Other factors decrease nitrogen availability to plants. This gaseous ammonia is lost into the atmosphere.
Fertilizer runoff is another critical source of nitrogen loss.
Decomposition of organic matter low in nitrogen by soil microorganisms and subsequent absorption of N by these organisms contributes to the unavailability of nitrogen for plant uptake. Next page Main menu Home page Content, graphics, and design of Something to Grow On were produced by Amy Fay Kasica.