verb
- to convert (organic nitrogen compounds) into ammonia or ammonium compounds, especially through bacterial decomposition
Usage: technical; chiefly used in biochemistry and soil science
Examples
- Bacteria in the soil ammonify dead plant material, releasing nitrogen in a form plants can absorb.
- The decomposition process ammonifies proteins and other nitrogen-containing compounds.
- Microorganisms ammonify organic waste in wastewater treatment systems.
- Nitrogen is ammonified during the early stages of soil nutrient cycling.