nitrification

noun

1. the act of nitrifying.

noun

1. the oxidation of the ammonium compounds in dead organic material into nitrites and nitrates by soil nitrobacteria, making nitrogen available to plantsSee 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

n.1827, from French nitrification (1787, de Morveau), from nitrifier (1777), from nitre (see nitre). n.

1. The oxidation of an ammonia compound into nitric acid, nitrous acid, or any nitrate or nitrite, especially by the action of bacteria.
2. The treatment or combination of a substance with nitrogen or compounds containing nitrogen.

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.