What are nitrifyers?

Nitrifiers are a group of bacteria that play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting ammonia into nitrates and nitrites, which are usable forms of nitrogen for plants. This process, known as nitrification, occurs in two main steps: first, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) convert ammonia to nitrite, and then nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) convert nitrite to nitrate. Nitrifiers are essential for maintaining soil fertility and are commonly found in soil and aquatic environments. Their activity helps mitigate the toxicity of ammonia and supports healthy plant growth.