Which process describes the conversion of organic nitrogen into inorganic forms?

The conversion of organic nitrogen into inorganic forms is referred to as mineralization. This process involves the breakdown of complex organic matter, such as plant and animal residues, by microorganisms in the soil, resulting in the release of inorganic nitrogen compounds, primarily ammonium.

During mineralization, enzymes produced by soil microbes decompose organic nitrogen compounds, making nitrogen available in forms that plants can readily uptake, like ammonium (NH₄⁺) and subsequently nitrate (NO₃⁻) through further processes like nitrification.

Understanding this process is essential because it plays a key role in soil fertility and nutrient cycling, directly impacting agricultural productivity. In contrast, the other processes listed, such as nitrification, immobilization, and denitrification, refer to different aspects of the nitrogen cycle, involving transformations and conversions that do not directly describe the breakdown of organic nitrogen into inorganic forms.