Nitrication

Ammonification is done by heterotrophic microorganisms and convert the amines/a.a. released by bacteria and fungi decomposition to ammonium, which then can be converted to nitrites and nitrates, absorbed by plants, used by microorganisms, adsorb to clay minerals, or released to atmosphere. Nitrification is after ammonification and converts ammonium to nitrate. It has two steps: first, ammonium to nitrite. Then nitrite to nitrate.