Ammonification is the conversion of organic nitrogen compounds into ammonia (NH3) by decomposer bacteria. It is an important step in the nitrogen cycle, where complex nitrogen-containing molecules are transformed into a form that can be used by plants.
Think of ammonification as the work of janitors in a school. Janitors clean up after students, transforming messy classrooms into tidy spaces ready for learning. Similarly, ammonification cleans up organic nitrogen compounds, converting them into ammonia that can be utilized by plants.
Nitrification: The process in which ammonia (NH3) is converted first to nitrite (NO2-) and then to nitrate (NO3-) by nitrifying bacteria.
Denitrification: The conversion of nitrates (NO3-) back into atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) through bacterial action.
Nitrogen fixation: The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into forms usable by plants through symbiotic relationships with certain bacteria.
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