Which of the following is a byproduct of urea hydrolysis in soil?

Urea hydrolysis in the soil primarily leads to the formation of ammonium. When urea is applied to the soil, it undergoes a chemical reaction that is facilitated by the enzyme urease, which is produced by soil microorganisms. This reaction breaks down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia can then quickly react with water to form ammonium ions.

Ammonium is a key nutrient for plants and serves as an essential source of nitrogen for their growth. In many soils, this ammonium can be further converted to nitrate through a process known as nitrification. However, the direct result of urea hydrolysis is primarily ammonium.

Other options like nitrogen gas and nitrate are products of subsequent processes rather than direct products of urea hydrolysis, while uric acid is not a product of this process at all. Thus, the presence of ammonium following urea hydrolysis is a critical aspect of soil fertility and nutrient management.