Nitrification is the biological conversion of ammonium to nitrate mediated by nitrifying microorganisms. The process is important in nitrogen (N) cycling and nitrate is one of the forms of N taken up by plants. However, in some soils it is produced in excess of plant demand leading to leaching of nitrate causing pollution and/or loss of N through denitrification. Excess nitrate production could be decreased with the help of nitrification inhibitors such as N-serve and DCD along with nitrogenous fertilizers.... Mehr