A new study by Wu, Huang, Huang and colleagues, published in Nature Communications, tackles this apparent contradiction, asking how nitrogen fertilization can influence nitrification without producing a simple, universal pattern of soil acidification. Nitrification describes a transformation of nitrogen, while acidification describes a shift in the balance of protons and bases within the soil system. Subject of Research: Soil nitrification, nitrogen fertilization, and agricultural soil acidificationArticle Title: Reconciling nitrogen fertilization effects on soil nitrification with acidificationArticle References: Wu, L., Huang, Y., Huang, Y. et al. “Reconciling nitrogen fertilization effects on soil nitrification with acidification.” https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-76609-xImage Credits: AI GeneratedDOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-76609-xKeywords: nitrogen fertilization, soil nitrification, soil acidification, ammonium, nitrate, soil microorganisms, agricultural sustainability, nitrogen cycle, soil health