What occurs during ammonification?

Ammonification is a crucial part of the nitrogen cycle, where dead organic matter is broken down by decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, into ammonia. This process involves the conversion of organic nitrogen found in biomass—such as plants and animals—into inorganic ammonia, which can then be utilized by plants or further transformed by other soil microorganisms.

During ammonification, the decomposition of proteins and nucleic acids from dead organisms leads to the release of ammonia, which can be used by plants as a nutrient or can undergo further processes like nitrification. Understanding this process is essential because it plays a key role in replenishing the nitrogen supply in ecosystems, making it available for new growth.