Why denitrification bacteria of the soil are a boon and a curse to the farmer?

Answer 1

Curse: Denitrifying bacteria convert the nitrogenous compounds into free nitrogen, hence reducing the nitrogenous compound levels in the soil.

Boon: Denitrifying bacteria prevent the plants from having too much nitrogen. Extra nitrogen could harm the ecosystem as a whole, because some wild plants like cultivated crops can thrive on nitrogen. The growth of these plants is favoured in nitrogen-saturated environments. This upsets the ecosystem. Some of this sort of damage is seen in colder countries, where natural nitrogen cycling is slowest.

Answer 2

Denitrification bacteria in the soil are beneficial as they help convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, reducing nitrogen pollution. However, in excess, they can result in nitrogen loss from the soil, leading to decreased soil fertility and affecting crop productivity. Farmers need to manage these bacteria to balance nutrient availability in the soil.