How does ammonification return nitrogen to the soil?

Ammonification is a critical stage of the nitrogen cycle that returns nitrogen to the soil by breaking down organic matter. When plants and animals die, or when they produce waste, their remains contain nitrogen-rich compounds like proteins and nucleic acids.1

Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, decompose these dead organic materials and waste products. Through the process of ammonification, these decomposers convert the organic nitrogen into ammonia ($N{H}_3$) and ammonium ($N{H}_4^{+}$). Once this nitrogen is released into the soil in these forms, it can either remain in the soil or be further transformed into nitrates through nitrification, making it available for uptake by plants.12