Describe the terms ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification.

Question: Briefly explain the processes of ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification in the nitrogen cycle. Answer: In the nitrogen cycle, ammonification is the process by which organic nitrogen compounds in dead organisms and waste are broken down by microorganisms into ammonia and ammonium ions, which can be utilized by plants. Nitrification involves the conversion of ammonia or ammonium ions into nitrite and subsequently into nitrate by nitrifying bacteria, making nitrogen usable for plant uptake. Denitrification is the reduction of nitrates into nitrogen gas by denitrifying bacteria under anaerobic conditions, returning nitrogen to the atmosphere and balancing nitrogen levels in ecosystems.