Ammonification - Overview, Examples, Defination

Ammonification is the stage of the nitrogen cycle that contributes to soil fertility and other environmental processes. The process of ammonification forms a link in the recycling of nitrogenous compounds. This topic is important for students pursuing a biology course, especially those appearing for entrance exams like NEET, AIIMS, nursing and courses of paramedical. The ammonification process is defined in the chapter "Mineral Nutrition" of Class 11 CBSE Biology.

Also Read:

• Nitrogen Metabolism
• Mineral Toxicity
• Minerals: Definition, Flow Chart, Benefits
• Essential Mineral Elements

Ammonification Definition

Ammonification is the process by which decomposers like bacteria and fungi convert dead organic nitrogen into ammonia (NH₃) or ammonium ions (NH₄⁺). This process is vital in the nitrogen cycle because it helps ensure that nutrients are recycled back into a form available to plants.

Meaning Of Ammonification

Ammonification can be defined simply as the breakdown of organic nitrogen into ammonia, which reintroduces the nitrogen in the soil for further absorption by plants.

Ammonification In Nitrogen Cycle

The other critical step in this cycle of nitrogen is ammonification. It is the process of movement of nitrogen between the atmosphere, soil, and organisms through biogeochemical cycles. The absence of ammonification would mean an inability to use the nitrogen trapped in organic matter for growing plants and, hence, breaking ecosystems.

Process Of Ammonification

The ammonification process begins with dead plant and animal matter, and excreted wastes. Here is the procedure divided into individual steps:

Step 1: Decomposition Of Organic Nitrogen

• When plants and animals die, decomposer organisms, mostly bacteria and fungi, feed on the dead organic matter.
• These organisms metabolize nitrogen-containing compounds such as proteins, nucleic acids, and urea, whereby they release ammonia (NH₃) or ammonium ions (NH₄⁺).

Step 2: Conversion To Ammonia (NH₃)

Decomposer bacteria convert organic nitrogen compounds to ammonia.

By undergoing enzymatic reactions, the chemical equation for ammonification is as follows:

Proteins + Water through enzyme activity → Amino acids

Amino acids through microbial action → Ammonia (NH₃) or Ammonium ions (NH₄⁺)

Step 3: Emission Of Ammonia

Once the ammonia is formed, it may stay as ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) in the soil if the soil is acidic or it diffuses into the atmosphere as ammonia gas (NH₃).

Ammonification Reaction

A simple equation can be represented as:

Organic Nitrogen (Proteins/Dead Material) → Bacteria → Ammonia (NH₃) + Water (H₂O)

Role In Nitrogen Availability

Ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) are either absorbed directly or further processed through nitrification, converting it to nitrates (NO₃⁻), a readily available source of nitrogen for plants.

Importance Of Ammonification

It is crucial for the overall health and fertility of soil. It is involved in recycling nitrogen from dead organic matter that otherwise remains locked and unavailable for plant growth. It also keeps the nitrogen cycle running, a necessity to keep ecosystems balanced.

Role In Agriculture

• Ammonification replenishes the nitrogen source in soil, which is essential for plant growth and crop production improvement.
• Organic fertilizers rely on the process of ammonification to replenish the nitrogen source in soil throughout various agricultural farms.

Example Of Ammonification

A good example of ammonification in action is in composting. Organic wastes such as decaying plant material, kitchen wastes, and manure from animals decompose with ammonification. This converts the nitrogen of these materials into ammonia which can then be absorbed by the plants for growth improving soil fertility.

Diagram Of Ammonification In The Nitrogen Cycle

Ammonification vs. Other Processes In The Nitrogen Cycle

Tips, Tricks, And Strategies For Studying Ammonification

• Draw Diagrams: A diagram showing the nitrogen cycle with an explicit representation of ammonification and what it entails makes the idea easier to understand.
• Mnemonics: To remember the steps of the nitrogen cycle, write down or teach: "FANAD" (Fixation, Ammonification, Nitrification, Assimilation, Denitrification).
• Multimedia Learning: See animations or videos to understand the significance of ammonification in the context of the nitrogen cycle.
• Real-Life Connection: Compare ammonification to other processes that people commonly use in composting dead organic matter to produce nutrients for plants.

Weightage Of Questions On Ammonification In Exams

Types Of Questions Asked On Ammonification In Exams

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