More nitrates are available for plants to absorb. More nitrates are available for animals to eat. More nitrogen gas is released into the atmosphere. More nitrogen is converted by bacteria into nitrates.
I gave my students this multiple choice question: Fertilizers added by farmers to the soil contain high amounts of nitrates. How do fertilizers affect the nitrogen cycle?

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- More nitrates are available for plants to absorb.
- More nitrates are available for animals to eat.
- More nitrogen gas is released into the atmosphere.
- More nitrogen is converted by bacteria into nitrates.

Could you tell me which one is correct?

More nitrates are available for plants to absorb.