What is the process of conversion of free nitrogen to nitrogenous compound called?
The process of conversion of free nitrogen to the nitrogenous compounds is known as biological nitrogen fixation. It mainly takes place in the following steps -
1) Ammonification is the process of conversion of nitrogen to ammonia by an enzyme known as nitrogenase.
2) Nitrification is the process where the ammonia is converted into nitrite and nitrates with the help of bacteria like Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter.
3) Denitrification is the process where the fixed nitrogen is further converted to free nitrogen.