Nitrogen Cycle: Nitrification and Denitrification (A-level Biology)
Nitrogen Cycle: Nitrification and Denitrification
The Nitrogen Cycle Continued
We’ve already seen two parts of the nitrogen cycle in some detail: nitrogen fixation and ammonification. In this section, we will explore nitrification and denitrification.
3. Nitrification
Ammonium ions (NH4+) cannot be absorbed or used by plants. Nitrifying bacteria must convert ammonium ions into nitrites, then nitrates.
The resulting nitrates can be used by plants.
4. Denitrification
Nitrate ions (NO3–) and converted back into nitrogen gas (N2) by denitrifying bacteria.
This is a reduction reaction (oxygen is lost), so favours anaerobic conditions like waterlogged soil.
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