It is a gaseous loss, unrelated to loss by physical processes such as through leachates. 2) The breakdown of nitrates by soil bacteria, resulting in the release of free nitrogen.

• 是一种汽化式的散失，而非经由物理过程如渗漏的流失。(2) 经由土壤中的细菌分解硝酸盐而释放出自由氮。此种过程常发生于厌氧环境下，如浸泡在水中的土地；会降低土中养份。