• Nitrogen compounds are in constant cycling, being produced, converted and consumed, in a pond environment. • Feed is the primary source of nitrogen as it is comprised of proteins from key ingredients such as fish, bone, or soybean meal. These proteins are utilized by the shrimp and ammonia is given off as a waste. • Beneficial bacteria convert the toxic ammonia to nitrite (also toxic), which is further converted to nitrate, a process called nitrification. Nitrate is generally not toxic in pond environments. Nitrate can be used by plants/phytoplankton and to a lesser extent can be converted to nitrogen gas in the anaerobic portions of soil.