Q. Certain bacteria living in the soil poor in oxygen, convert nitrates into nitrites and then to free nitrogen and such bacteria are termed as
A) Nitrogen fixing bacteria
B) Denitrifying bacteria
C) Ammonifying bacteria
D) Saprophytic bacteria
Explanation
The denitrifying bacteria reduce the nitrates and the ammonium salts to free nitrogen which escapes into the atmosphere. $e.g.,\ Bacillus\ denitrificans$. This process decreases fertility of the soil.
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.