Denitrification

Denitrification is a biological process where certain bacteria break down nitrates in soil or water and convert them into nitrogen gas, which then escapes into the atmosphere. This process is essential for the nitrogen cycle because it removes excess nitrogen from ecosystems, preventing nutrient overload that can harm water quality and create dead zones in oceans. You can think of denitrification as nature's way of recycling nitrogen back to the air, completing a continuous loop that keeps our environment balanced.