Denitrification in Soil

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Denitrification in Soil

Denitrification in Soil -Certain microorganisms are capable of reducing nitrates to nitrites, and subsequently to gaseous nitrogen (e. g.; nitrous oxide or free nitrogen). This process is called denitrification.
Under anaerobic conditions and in presence of an abundant supply of organic compounds, which serve as hydrogen donors, nitrate serves as an electron acceptor. Nitrite is ultimately reduced to molecular nitrogen through several reactions which are not clearly understood.

When nitrate is used as a source of electron acceptors, there is a net loss of nitrogen from the soil. This process is, therefore, called dissimilatory nitrate reduction, Nitrogen loss by denitrification occurs during seasonal flooding of the land, or as a result of over-irrigation of poorly drained land.
Lack of fertility of constantly wet soils is due to the growth of nitrate reducing anaerobic species.Some of these organisms are Thiobacillus denitrificans, Micrococcus denitrificans, various species of Clostridium and some species of Serratia, Pseudomonas and Achro mobacter.

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Sulphur Cycle Ammonification in Soil Nitrification in Soil Nitrate Reduction in Soil Denitrification in Soil Nitrogen Fixation Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation Rhizobium Specificity of Bacteria and Legumes Non-Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation Non-symbiotic Nitrogen Fixing Microorganisms Mechanism of Nitrogen Fixation Oxidation of Sulphur and Sulphur Compounds by Bacteria

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