Explanation – Nitrifying bacteria are responsible for the process of nitrification, which involves two main steps. First, ammonia (NH₃) is oxidized to nitrite (NO₂⁻) by bacteria such as Nitrosomonas. Then, other bacteria like Nitrobacter convert nitrite into nitrate (NO₃⁻). This conversion is crucial because it transforms ammonia, which can be toxic to plants, into nitrates that plants can readily absorb and use for growth.

Source: The Hindu