How does removing trees affect nitrogen cycling in a forest ecosystem? A. After clearcutting, more soil nitrogen was exported via runoff, ultimately accumulating in the lake. B. After clearcutting, plant uptake stopped and nitrogen accumulated in the soil. C. After clearcutting, plant uptake stopped but denitrification increased, limiting the flow of nitrogen from the soil to the lake. D. Clearcutting does not appear to affect nitrogen cycling; only acid rain does.