Nitrification is the conversion of ammonia to nitrites and then nitrates.
Denitrification is the conversion of nitrites and nitrates to nitrogen gas and other products of oxides of nitrogen.
Ammonification is the conversion of organic nitrogen to ammonium compounds.
Denaturation is the process of breaking of linkages and bonds in a protein molecule through external stress which changes its structure .

Ammonification: Conversion of organic nitrogenous compounds into ammonium compounds

Ammonification is a process in which organic nitrogenous compounds, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and urea, are converted into ammonium compounds. It is an essential part of the nitrogen cycle, where nitrogen is converted into various forms to be utilized by living organisms.

Key Points:
- Organic nitrogenous compounds: Organic compounds containing nitrogen, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and urea.
- Ammonium compounds: Compounds that contain ammonium ions (NH4+).
- Conversion: The process of transforming one form of nitrogen into another.

Process of Ammonification:
1. Decomposition: The process of ammonification begins with the decomposition of organic matter, such as dead plants, animals, and waste materials, by decomposers like bacteria and fungi.
2. Hydrolysis: During decomposition, complex organic nitrogen compounds, such as proteins and nucleic acids, are broken down into simpler organic compounds through the process of hydrolysis.
3. Mineralization: The simpler organic compounds are further broken down into ammonium (NH4+) ions through a series of enzymatic reactions called mineralization.
4. Ammonification: The ammonium ions released during mineralization combine with water molecules to form ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), which dissociates into ammonium ions (NH4+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). This process is known as ammonification.
5. Utilization by Plants: The ammonium ions produced through ammonification are readily available for uptake by plants as a nitrogen source. Plants can directly assimilate ammonium ions into amino acids and proteins.

Significance of Ammonification:
- Recycling of Nitrogen: Ammonification plays a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting organic nitrogen compounds into inorganic forms that can be utilized by plants and other organisms.
- Nutrient Availability: By converting organic nitrogen into ammonium ions, ammonification makes nitrogen more readily available for plants to use as a nutrient for growth and development.
- Soil Fertility: Ammonification contributes to the enrichment of soil fertility by releasing ammonium ions, which can be taken up by plant roots and incorporated into proteins and other essential molecules.

Conclusion:
Ammonification is the conversion of organic nitrogenous compounds into ammonium compounds. It is an important process in the nitrogen cycle, helping to recycle nitrogen and make it available for plants and other organisms. By understanding the process of ammonification, we can appreciate the significance of this biological transformation in maintaining soil fertility and supporting ecosystem functioning.