Ammonification in Manures 325 



protein substances by decay and putrefaction- bacteria, 

 is an important process in the preparation of waste 

 organic materials into food available to higher plants. 

 The formation of ammonia is accompanied by other 

 changes in the composition of the manure. The starches, 

 sugars, organic acids and cellulose, as well as the pro- 

 tein substances, all undergo modifications through bac- 

 terial activities. The resulting product is ready for 

 further transformations when incorporated into the soil. 

 Other nitrogen relations. In this chapter we have 

 discussed the nitrogen losses in manures through the 

 ammonifying processes. In the two following chapters 

 we shall consider the nitrogen content of manures in 

 reference to denitrification and nitrification. 



