Question

Describe how ammonium ions can be converted to nitrate ions in the soil.

Answer 1

Ammonium ions in the soil can be converted to nitrate ions through a process called nitrification, which involves two steps completed by different bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ammonium ions in the soil can be converted to nitrate ions through a process called nitrification, which involves two steps completed by different bacteria:

1. Nitrosomonas bacteria convert ammonium ions (NH4+) to nitrites (NO2-).
2. Nitrobacter bacteria convert nitrites (NO2-) to nitrates (NO3-).

This conversion process is important for making nitrogen available to plants, as nitrates can be easily absorbed by plant roots and used for growth.