Which process involves the conversion of ammonium into nitrites?

The process that involves the conversion of ammonium into nitrites is known as nitrification. Nitrification is a biological oxidation process carried out by certain types of bacteria in the soil. It occurs in two main steps:

1. The first step involves the oxidation of ammonium (NH4+) to nitrite (NO2-) by bacteria such as Nitrosomonas. This step is crucial because ammonium is a product of organic matter decomposition and can be toxic to plants at high concentrations.

2. The second step involves the further oxidation of nitrite to nitrate (NO3-) by another group of bacteria, such as Nitrobacter. Nitrate is more readily taken up by plants and is an important source of nitrogen for their growth.

Nitrification is a key part of the nitrogen cycle, facilitating the conversion of nitrogen in organic matter into forms that can be assimilated by plants.

In contrast, denitrification is the process through which nitrates or nitrites are converted back into nitrogen gas (N2) or nitrous oxide (N2O), thus reducing the nitrogen content in the soil. Ammonification refers to the process of converting organic nitrogen from dead organisms or waste into ammonium. Mineralization encompasses the overall breakdown