What is Nitrification?

Nitrification is a crucial step in the nitrogen cycle, defined as the biological process of converting ammonia into nitrates and nitrites, which can then be utilized by plants. This two-step process is carried out by specific bacteria in the soil.

In the first step, ammonia (NH₃) is oxidized to nitrites (NO₂⁻) by bacteria such as Nitrosomonas. In the second step, these nitrites are further oxidized to nitrates (NO₃⁻) by other bacteria, such as Nitrobacter. Nitrification enables plants to absorb nitrogen in a form they can use for growth and development.

While the other options refer to different nitrogen-related processes or different nutrient cycles, they do not correctly describe nitrification. This process specifically involves the transformation of nitrogen into a form that can be assimilated by living organisms, making it integral to maintaining the ecosystem's nitrogen balance.