Download What is ammonification? Ammonification is the

 What is ammonification?
Ammonification is the process in which microorganisms such as bacteria break down
organic matter and animal waste into ammonia, which can be used by plants as a natural
fertilizer.
One way this can occur is when lightning strikes the ground and reaches the earth during
rainfall small amounts of ammonia are released in the earth. Plants absorb this ammonia and use
it to increase their growth.
Another way, which you may have already guessed, is when an animal dies or excretes
waste. The bacteria decompose said animal/waste and turn it in to useable ammonia, which,
again, makes its way into the soil where the plants absorb it as a natural fertilizer.
Natural vs. artificial fertilizer
You may have noticed the phrase “natural fertilizer” thrown around earlier. This means it
is a fertilizer that occurs naturally in nature, such as ammonification. Now, scientists have
learned to make an artificial fertilizer that is more reliable and stronger than natural fertilization,
can be very harmful to the environment. This artificial fertilizer can be spread by tractor, or in
special nitrogen bombs.
How ammonification effects plants-
Ammonia acts as a fertilizer on plants. That means it speeds up the plant's growth. Ammonia is
present in soil, water, and air. It is essential for photosynthesis, which is the process in which
plants convert light energy to chemical energy. Ammonia effects plant's growth by acting as a
source of nitrogen for the plant. However, too much ammonia can damage or even kill the plant.
Ammonia is also lost quickly into the air so it must be injected beneath the soil surface to ensure
sufficient retention.
Why inject it in to the soil? You might ask. Can you not simply inject it in to the plant?
You may inquire. Well, when ammonia is directly applied to the plant, it may harm the plant, but
when injected into the earth, it can be very beneficial because the plant can absorb it and use it
properly.
Facts  Ammonia is present in soil,
water, plants, animals, and air.
 Ammonia is important for
plants survival.
 It increases plants growth.

Essential for photo-synthesis.

The earth’s atmosphere is made up of 80% nitrogen.

Ammonia does not have a color or a smell.


Ammonia does not last very long in the air because when it gets into the air plants and
animals absorb ad use it.
Ammonia does not build up in the food chain, but serves as a nutrient for plants and
bacteria.
Ammonia also can be called alkaline air and volatile alkali.

Ammonia can also be used to clean, bleach, and deodorize.

Can be harmful to humans.

Bibliography
"The Nitrogen Bomb."Discover Magazine. Web. 12 Oct. 2014.
"What Is Ammonification?" WiseGEEK. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2014.
Green Gate Farm. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2014. <http%3A%2F%2Fgreengatefarms.net%2F>.
Green Gate Farm
Ammonification
By: Virginia Brown Phil Mahaffey, Erin Morrison