nitrification

[ nahy-truh-fi-key-shuhn ]

noun

, Chemistry, Biology.

1. the process of oxidation in the nitrogen cycle that converts ammonia or ammonium compounds to nitrites and then to nitrates, especially this process as facilitated by bacteria and other microbes in soil to provide the nitrogen vital to plant health and growth.

nitrification

/ ˌnaɪtrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. See nitrogen cycle
   the oxidation of the ammonium compounds in dead organic material into nitrites and nitrates by soil nitrobacteria, making nitrogen available to plants See also nitrogen cycle
2. 1. the addition of a nitro group to an organic compound
   2. the substitution of a nitro group for another group in an organic compound

nitrification

/ nī′trə-fĭ-kā′shən /

1. The process by which bacteria in soil and water oxidize ammonia and ammonium ions and form nitrites and nitrates. Because the nitrates can be absorbed by more complex organisms, as by the roots of green plants, nitrification is an important step in the nitrogen cycle .

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitrification¹

First recorded in 1820–30; nitr- + -i- + -fication

Example Sentences

He also showed that metabiosis played an important part in nitrification.

From Project Gutenberg

No substance is so favourable to nitrification as the natural stony concretion known under the name of lime-tuf.

From Project Gutenberg

The presence of moisture in the soil is necessary for the process of nitrification to take place.

From Project Gutenberg

It undergoes nitrification readily and is a quick acting organic source of nitrogen and phosphoric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

This explanation will be understood in the light of what we have already described in regard to "nitrification."

From Project Gutenberg