Questions 71-72 The table below indicates the output of...

Questions $71-72$ The table below indicates the output of nitrate in stream water in an undisturbed area and in an area that has been clear-cut (deforested). Which statement about deforestation can be inferred from the graph? (A) Deforestation ultimately destroyed several small rivers in Oregon. (B) When an area is clear-cut, the trees can be replaced and the ecology of the area can be preserved. (C) The presence of trees in a forest causes an increase in nitrogen in the soil. (D) Plants and their root fungi are very efficient at absorbing fixed nitrogen from (E) Nitrogen runoff will destroy local rivers.

Questions $71-72$ The table below indicates the output of nitrate in stream water in an undisturbed area and in an area that has been clear-cut (deforested).
Which statement about deforestation can be inferred from the graph?
(A) Deforestation ultimately destroyed several small rivers in Oregon.
(B) When an area is clear-cut, the trees can be replaced and the ecology of the area can be preserved.
(C) The presence of trees in a forest causes an increase in nitrogen in the soil.
(D) Plants and their root fungi are very efficient at absorbing fixed nitrogen from
(E) Nitrogen runoff will destroy local rivers.

Key Concepts

Deforestation

Deforestation is the removal of trees and vegetation from an area, which can lead to significant changes in ecosystem functions. One of its effects is the disruption of natural processes such as water regulation and nutrient cycling, as forests normally help stabilize soils and intercept rainfall, reducing erosion and nutrient runoff.

Nitrogen Cycle

The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms in the environment, including fixation, mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification. Forest ecosystems play a crucial role in this cycle by absorbing nitrate from the soil and water, thus maintaining a balance in nutrient availability.

Plant Nutrient Uptake and Mycorrhizal Associations

Plants, along with their symbiotic relationships with root fungi (mycorrhizae), are highly efficient at absorbing essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, from the soil. This uptake limits the amount of nitrogen that can be lost through runoff, highlighting the importance of intact vegetation for maintaining soil fertility and water quality.

Nitrate Runoff

Nitrate runoff refers to the movement of nitrate compounds from the soil into nearby water bodies, which can occur when vegetation is removed or disturbed. Increased nitrate levels in streams can indicate a disruption in the natural nutrient uptake processes that would normally mitigate the loss of these compounds, potentially leading to water quality issues.

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