Question

What occurs during ammonification?

Nitrogen enters the soil and is converted to ammonia or nitrate.
Bacteria creates nitrite, and then it is oxidized into nitrate.
Plants and animals incorporate the nitrogen.
Organic nitrogen is converted into ammonia.

Answer 1

Ammonification is the process by which organic nitrogen compounds are converted into ammonia. It is carried out by decomposer bacteria and fungi in the soil, releasing nitrogen for plant use. This process is crucial in the nitrogen cycle.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ammonification is the process by which organic nitrogen compounds, such as proteins and nucleic acids, are converted into ammonia (NH3). This conversion is carried out by decomposer bacteria and fungi in the soil. The ammonia that is produced can then be further converted into nitrate (NO3-) through the process of nitrification.

During ammonification, soil-dwelling microorganisms break down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler compounds. As a result, the nitrogen present in the organic matter is released as ammonia. This ammonia can be used by plants as a source of nitrogen for growth and development.

Overall, ammonification plays a vital role in the nitrogen cycle by recycling nitrogen from organic matter back into the soil, making it available for plants and other organisms.

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