Denitrification is a microbial process in which nitrate (NO3-) is reduced to nitrogen gas (N2) or nitrous oxide (N2O), effectively removing nitrogen from the soil and returning it to the atmosphere. This process is crucial for the nitrogen cycle, helping to maintain ecological balance and prevent the accumulation of nitrates in the environment. Denitrification typically occurs in anaerobic conditions, such as waterlogged soils or sediments, where specific bacteria play a key role in the conversion of nitrates.