What is the process called where ammonium nitrogen is converted to nitrate nitrogen?

The process where ammonium nitrogen is converted to nitrate nitrogen is known as nitrification. This is a crucial step in the nitrogen cycle and involves a two-step aerobic process primarily carried out by specific bacteria in the soil.

During nitrification, the first step is the oxidation of ammonium ions (NH4+) into nitrite ions (NO2-) by bacteria such as Nitrosomonas. In the second step, nitrite is further oxidized into nitrate ions (NO3-) by bacteria such as Nitrobacter. Nitrate is a form of nitrogen that plants can readily uptake and utilize for their growth, making nitrification an essential process in sustainable agriculture and nutrient management.

Understanding nitrification is vital for nutrient management because it affects nitrogen availability in soils and influences practices such as fertilization and environmental stewardship. This is particularly relevant in Pennsylvania, where agricultural practices must consider nutrient runoff and its impact on water quality.