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What is denitrification? Give two microbes responsible.

GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer

Denitrification is the microbial reduction of soil nitrates (NO₃⁻) to gaseous forms of nitrogen (N₂, N₂O), which are released into the atmosphere. This process reduces soil fertility by depleting available nitrogen.

Microbes Responsible:

  1. Pseudomonas denitrificans
  2. Thiobacillus denitrificans

Denitrification typically occurs under anaerobic conditions in waterlogged soils.

General · Class 12