The conversion of organic nitrogen to ammonia or ammonium ion by heterotrophic bacteria (ammonifiers) involved in the decomposition of organic matter.

The reduction of nitrogen containing material to ammonia by micro organisms such as bacteria.

impregnation with ammonia or a compound of ammonia

The process by which decomposers break down proteins and nucleic acids to release excess nitrogen in the form of ammonia, NH3, and ammonium ions, NH4+.

Process by which some soil organisms, 'ammonifiers', convert soil organic nitrogen to ammonium ions.

Conversion of amino acids and other nitrogen containing organic compounds into ammonia (NH3) and ammonium ions (NH4+).

The production of ammonia by microorganisms through the decomposition of organic matter.

The formation of ammonium ions from nitrogenous compounds.