This is a section of an essay I'm writing about soil.  The very last sentence describes how the pH is kept in check during the nitrification process. 

I'd like to
   1.  more accurately describe both the nitrification chemistry math of NH4+ conversion to NO2- and NO3-
as well as the
    2. denitrification math involving the hydrogen and oxygen from the NO2 and NO3- in which the N2 is returned to the atmosphere through denitrifying bacteria.

    3. It also seems that the plant exchange of H+ for nitrogen would help the soil retain a higher pH.  Can you help me verify that, and the correct symbol for the form of nitrogen being exchaged?

Maybe a new discussion would be best, but I wanted to specifically ask for your help so I posted my question here.







Bacteria come in two basic types.  Anaerobic which lives without oxygen and produces offensive odors, and aerobic which lives with oxygen and produces pleasant fresh odors.  Bacteria are responsible for recycling carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen.  CO2 is a by product of aerobic bacteria, and sulfur is recycled by anaerobic bacteria.  Nitrogen found in the atmosphere can not be used directly by plants. It must be 'fixed' through a process called nitrification where aerobic bacteria combine nitrogen with either oxygen or hydrogen to form  nitrite (NO2-), and eventually nitrate (NO3-) ions from the ammonium (NH4+) waste of protozoa and nematodes which consume other bacteria and fungi.  Nitrification produces an acidic pH when oxidation occurs. This process is called reduction because there is a loss of electrons, and it releases energy that is used by the bacteria.   Nitrifying bacteria do not generally like low pH, but fortunately other bacteria called denitrifying bacteria convert nitrogen salts created by the nitrification process back into nitrogen N2 which returns to the atmosphere.
The plants exchange hydrogen (H+) for nitrogen (N?) which also helps to return the pH to a higher level.