Decomposition vs. Ammonification — What's the Difference?

Decomposition is the process by which dead organic substances are broken down into simpler organic or inorganic matter such as carbon dioxide, water, simple sugars and mineral salts. The process is a part of the nutrient cycle and is essential for recycling the finite matter that occupies physical space in the biosphere.

Impregnation with ammonia or an ammonium compound.

The act or result of decomposing; disintegration.

Production of ammonia or ammonium compounds in the decomposition of organic matter, especially through the action of bacteria.

(Chemistry) Separation into constituents by chemical reaction.

(biochemistry) The formation of ammonia or its compounds from nitrogenous compounds, especially as a result of bacterial decomposition.

(Biology) Breakdown or decay of organic materials.

(chemistry) The treatment or impregnation of something with ammonia.

A biological process through which organic material is reduced to e.g. compost.

Impregnation with ammonia or a compound of ammonia

The act of taking something apart, e.g. for analysis.

The splitting (of e.g. a matrix, an atom, or a compound) into constituent parts.

The act or process of resolving the constituent parts of a compound body or substance into its elementary parts; separation into constituent part; analysis; the decay or dissolution consequent on the removal or alteration of some of the ingredients of a compound; disintegration; as, the decomposition of wood, rocks, etc.

The state of being reduced into original elements.

Repeated composition; a combination of compounds.

The analysis of a vector field

In a decomposed state

(chemistry) separation of a substance into two or more substances that may differ from each other and from the original substance

The organic phenomenon of rotting

(biology) decaying caused by bacterial or fungal action