What does volatilization refer to in the context of nitrogen management?

Volatilization in the context of nitrogen management specifically refers to the loss of ammonia (NH3) to the atmosphere. This process occurs when urea or ammonium fertilizers are applied to the soil surface and subsequently converted to ammonia gas, which can then escape into the air. This loss not only reduces the amount of nitrogen available for plants but also represents an economic loss for farmers and can have environmental implications as well.

The conversion of nitrogen into plant-available forms refers to processes such as ammonification and nitrification, which are distinct from volatilization. Similarly, an increase in nitrogen fixation by bacteria involves the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use, but this is unrelated to the loss mechanism that volatilization describes. Lastly, the retention of nitrogen in soil water pertains to nitrogen conservation within the soil profile, contrasting with the concept of volatilization that emphasizes nitrogen loss to the atmosphere.