The Nitrogen Cycle
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Stages
Nitrogen Fixation
Assimilation
Ammonification
Nitrification
Denitrification
Excess Nitrogen
Interactive Cycle
Helpful Terms
Overview
Denitrification
Denitrification is the fifth and final step in the nitrogen cycle. During this stage, denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate in a series of steps into the gases nitrous oxide and, eventually, nitrogen gas, which is emitted back into the atmosphere.