Nitrification is the chemical process that results in the emission of nitrates known to be harmful to aquatic environments.

A nitrification inhibitor is a substance that prevents or delays nitrification. It is useful for keeping nitrogen, increasing the efficiency of use and reducing loosses of applied nitrogen. The inhibitor reduces the risks of nitrous oxide emission (greenhouse gas 30 times more powerful than CO2), but also the aquatic pollution, while allowing a better assimilation of nitrogen by the soil ... and the crops.