During nitrification, bacteria play a crucial role in converting ammonia, which is a form of nitrogen commonly found in organic matter like manure and urine, into nitrite and subsequently into nitrate. This process occurs in two main steps:
1. Ammonia to Nitrite: In the first step of nitrification, specific types of bacteria called ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) convert ammonia (NH3) into nitrite (NO2-). This conversion releases energy that the bacteria use for growth and reproduction.
2. Nitrite to Nitrate: Following the conversion to nitrite, another group of bacteria known as nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) further oxidize the nitrite into nitrate (NO3-). Nitrate is a more stable form of nitrogen that can be taken up by plants as a nutrient.
In summary, during nitrification, the two-step process involving different groups of bacteria results in the conversion of ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate, making nitrogen more readily available for plant uptake and contributing to the nitrogen cycle in the environment.
