Microorganisms found in the soil need oxygen for fuel. When the soil is waterlogged, there is not enough oxygen. This is due to the water filling in the spaces between the soil particles. The microorganisms can get some oxygen from the nitrite and nitrate forms of nitrogen in the soil. While obtaining oxygen in this way, nitrogen and nitrous oxide are formed. What is this process known as when the gases are released back into the atmosphere in the nitrogen cycle? A) ammonification B) nitrification C) denitrification D) nitrogen fixation