Ecology
Ammonification
The decomposition of organic nitrogen compounds into ammonia. How nitrogen in dead organisms becomes available for recycling.
Biological Context
When organisms die, decomposers break down proteins and nucleic acids, releasing ammonia (NH3) or ammonium (NH4+). This process is the first step in returning organic nitrogen to inorganic forms. Ammonification is performed by many bacteria and fungi.
Business Application
Business ammonification: extracting reusable resources from defunct organizations—talent acquisition from failed startups, intellectual property from bankruptcies, customer lists from closed businesses.