Ammonium ion

The ammonium ion is a positively charged molecule formed when ammonia (NH₃), a common compound made of nitrogen and hydrogen, gains an extra hydrogen atom and a positive charge. It has the chemical formula NH₄⁺. This ion often exists in nature and in various products like fertilizers. In water, ammonium can interact with other elements and compounds, playing a role in the nitrogen cycle crucial for plant growth. Its charged nature helps it dissolve well in water, making it accessible to plants and microorganisms that depend on nitrogen for their metabolic functions.