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What is the purpose of denitrification in the nitrogen cycle?

What is the purpose of denitrification in the nitrogen cycle?

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Asked by G. Horace, Last updated: Apr 14, 2024

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Christian Jackson

Christian Jackson

Christian Jackson
Christian Jackson, Content Developer, Austin

Answered Jul 23, 2018

Denitrification is the name of the biochemical process whereby bacteria in soil converts nitrates (through several steps) into nitrogen gas and nitrous oxide. Denitrification is an important part of our planet’s nitrogen cycle because it replaces the nitrogen consumed by plants, animals, and humans, and returns it back into the atmosphere.

The soil bacteria feed on decomposing organic material from dead plants and animals. If the soil is “swampy or water-logged”, the denitrification process is more efficient.

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