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Step in the nitrogen cycle which involves the
reduction of nitrates into nitrite, nitrous oxide, ammonia or elemental
nitrogen. It is carried out by certain forms of denitrifying bacteria in the
soil and serves as an important part of the breakdown of dead organism. It is
responsible for the loss of much of the soil's natural and synthetic
fertilizers. This process is favored most in warm, anaerobic conditions.
[Science; v261; 1146-1149; 1993.] [Nature; v346; 258-260; 1990.] [Nature; v351;
135-137; 1991.]
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