Organic Nitrogen : Mineralization

Contains brief overview of terms:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="358"] Nitrogen Cycle (Source: Commons)[/caption]

 

A. Aminization : Hydrolytic decomposition of proteins & release of amines and amino acids (In absence of oxygen)

B. Ammonification: Organic N into amino acids into ammonia (hydrolatic and oxidative rxns. in presence of oxygen)

C. Nitrification: Conversion of ammonia to nitrites NO2 & then to nitrates

NH3 to NO2- (Nitrosomonas)

NO2- to NO3- by (Nitrobactor)

***Ammonia : toxic to plants***

***ammonia contained ground water results methamoglobinmia (blue baby syndrome) : if used as drinking water***

***30 to 35 degree C; pH 6.5 to 7.5***

***Activity of Bacteria ceases below pH 5.0***

*Denitrification: Conversion of soil nitrate into gaseous nitrogen or nitrous oxide. Water logging and high pH increases Nitrogen Loss.

By Pseudomonas and Paracoccus (anaerobic conditions)