Question

Which of the following sequence of events correctly summarises the process of nitrification?

• A. Ammonia $\to$ Nitrite $\to$ Nitrate $\to$ Plants
• B. Ammonia $\to$ Nitrate $\to$ Nitrite $\to$ Plants
• C. Nitrite $\to$ Nitrate $\to$ Ammonia $\to$ Plants
• D. Plants $\to$ Nitrite $\to$ Nitrate $\to$ Ammonia

Answer 1

The correct option is A Ammonia $\to$ Nitrite $\to$ Nitrate $\to$ Plants

Nitrification is the process by which ammonia in the soil is biologically converted into nitrites and eventually into nitrates. This process is done by a series of bacteria in two stages. Ammonia is first converted into nitrites by certain species of nitrifying bacteria such as Nitrosomonas. Then these nitrites are further converted into nitrates by other species of bacteria such as Nitrobacter. And nitrates are the form of nitrogen which can be directly absorbed by the plants.