NITRIFICATION AND DENITRIFICATION: MICROBIOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN THE NITROGEN CYCLE

Nitrification and denitrification are two crucial microbial processes within the nitrogen cycle that significantly impact soil fertility, agricultural productivity, and environmental health. Nitrification involves the biological oxidation of ammonia into nitrate, whereas denitrification reduces nitrate into nitrogen gases, returning nitrogen to the atmosphere. This article discusses the mechanisms, key microorganisms, environmental importance, and factors affecting these processes.