What is Ammonification?
Ammonification is an important stage in the nitrogen cycle, a natural cycle which makes the Earth's supply of nitrogen available to organisms which need it, such as plants. Like many other natural cycles, the nitrogen cycle can be disrupted by human activities which can lead to imbalances at various stages, sometimes causing environmental problems. Ammonification can be a major problem area in the nitrogen cycle when human intervention occurs, as buildups of ammonia can cause health problems and environmental issues.
The process of ammonification is the result of the breakdown of organic matter such as dead animals and plants or waste materials like excrement. This breakdown is accomplished by scores of microorganisms which utilize dead organic material for energy and produce ammonia and related compounds as a byproduct of their metabolisms. Ammonification classically occurs in the soil, in an aerobic environment which gives the bacteria and other microorganisms oxygen to work with.
Once ammonification has been accomplished, the next stage, nitrification, can occur. In nitrification, the ammonia is used for energy by other microorganisms which in turn produce nitrogen as a byproduct. Some of that nitrogen is taken in by plants in the area, and some of it escapes into the atmosphere. Free-floating atmospheric nitrogen can in turn be “fixed” by plants which will eventually be eaten or die, starting the cycle all over again.
If there is an excess of organic material, such as overflows from containment pools of manure, ammonification of that material can cause a dangerous buildup of ammonia which may hurt the environment. The ammonia and ammonia compounds can also enter the waterway, which means that they may spread across great distances and cause disease and sickness in humans and other animals. Ammonification can be an issue if the populations of bacteria which contribute to nitrification are unable to keep up with the amount of ammonia and related compounds in the soil.
Some gardeners add soil amendments which are specifically designed to promote ammonification and nitrification to the soil so that their plants will have a steady supply of nutrients. These additives also promote the general health of the soil and the correct balance of useful microorganisms which can benefit the garden, and the soil can be further built up with the use of other amendments to ensure that these microorganisms always have something to work on. In situations where buildups of organic material are causing environmental problems, compounds to promote the breakdown and recycling of the material will be used as part of the environmental remediation effort.
Written by S.E. Smith
