Correct Option (D):
Statement 1 is correct. Agricultural soils are a significant source of nitrogen oxides, primarily nitrous oxide (N₂O). This occurs due to microbial processes like nitrification and denitrification acting on nitrogenous fertilizers and organic manure applied to the soil. N₂O is a potent greenhouse gas and contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion.
Statement 2 is correct. Cattle, through their excretions (urine and feces), release ammonia (NH₃) into the environment. The urea in urine and organic nitrogen in feces decompose, leading to the volatilization of ammonia. Ammonia is a major air pollutant, contributing to particulate matter formation and ecosystem eutrophication.
Statement 3 is correct. The poultry industry generates substantial amounts of poultry litter. The microbial decomposition of this litter releases various reactive nitrogen compounds, including ammonia (NH₃), nitrates, and nitrites. These compounds can lead to air pollution, water contamination (eutrophication), and soil acidification, thus impacting the nitrogen cycle.
Incorrect Options:
Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not include all three correct statements. All three statements accurately describe the release of nitrogen compounds from agricultural soils, cattle, and the poultry industry into the environment.