Nitrоgen Cycle Dynаmics in Temperаte Fоrests In temperаte fоrest ecosystems, the nitrogen cycle is a critical process that dictates soil fertility and plant growth. Nitrogen primarily enters the soil through the decomposition of organic matter and biological nitrogen fixation by specialized bacteria. However, nitrogen can be lost from the system through leaching—the process by which nitrate is washed out of the soil by rainwater—and denitrification, where bacteria convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen gas. During the spring thaw, increased water runoff often leads to a significant spike in nitrate leaching, which can temporarily deplete the available nutrient pool for emerging vegetation. The following data tracks nitrogen levels in a experimental forest plot over four seasons. Screenshot 2026-04-22 094032.png Based on the passage and the data provided, which of the following statements best explains the relationship between plant nitrogen uptake and nitrate leaching loss?