In the nitrogen cycle, denitrification is best defined as?

Denitrification is a crucial process in the nitrogen cycle where nitrates (NO3-) are converted back into nitrogen gas (N2) and released into the atmosphere. This process occurs primarily in anaerobic conditions, often facilitated by denitrifying bacteria. It plays a significant role in maintaining the balance of nitrogen in the ecosystem by removing excess nitrates from the soil and preventing their accumulation. By converting nitrates into nitrogen gas, denitrification helps close the loop in the nitrogen cycle, ensuring that nitrogen remains available for plants and other organisms while also preventing potential environmental issues such as water pollution caused by excess nitrates. This understanding highlights the importance of denitrification in both ecological stability and agricultural practices.