Why Is Ammonification Important?

In crop and livestock production systems, nitrogen assimilated by plants and animals is converted into cellular tissue. ... Ammonification of organic nitrogen is an important processes in water because biological assimilation of ammonium by bacteria, biofilms, and aquatic plants is preferred to nitrate assimilation.

What is ammonification and why is it important?

Through the process of ammonification, organic nitrogen is converted into inorganic ammonia or ammonium ions. ... This is where ammonification plays an important role, as they provide nitrogen to the soil in a manner that lets plants use nitrogen and pass it through the food chain.

What will happen if ammonification does not occur?

Ammonification is a process in which nutrients used by plants and animals are returned to the soil by decomposition of the organisms. ... If ammonification does not occur then the nitrogen-containing compounds will not return the nutrients to the ecosystem and living organisms will no longer survive on earth.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.