Nitrification is a crucial biological process in the nitrogen cycle, where ammonia (NH3) is converted into nitrites (NO2-) and then into nitrates (NO3-). This transformation is primarily carried out by specific bacteria, such as Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, which play essential roles in soil and aquatic ecosystems. Nitrification helps make nitrogen available to plants, promoting healthy growth.
This process occurs in two main steps. First, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria convert ammonia into nitrites. Then, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria further convert nitrites into nitrates. Nitrification is vital for maintaining soil fertility and supporting plant life, as nitrates are a key nutrient for many crops.