Micrococcus denitrificans

bacteria

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June 30, 2026

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Micrococcus denitrificans is a type of spherical bacterium found widely in nature, including in soil. It belongs to the genus Micrococcus, which are typically gram-positive cocci and generally not pathogenic.1

This bacterium is also identified as a denitrifying bacterium. Denitrifying bacteria play a role in converting nitrates in the soil into atmospheric nitrogen. While this process depletes soil fertility, it is essential for the global nitrogen cycle, preventing nitrogen from accumulating in oceans. Other bacteria implicated in denitrification include Thiobacillus denitrificans and species of Serratia and Pseudomonas.23

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Micrococcus
roseus), in soil (M. denitrificans), in marine waters (M. colpogenes), and on the skin or in skin glands or skin-gland secretions of vertebrates (M. flavus). Those species found in milk, such as M. luteus, M. varians, and M. freudenreichii, are sometimes referred to as milk micrococci and can…
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roseus), in soil (M. denitrificans), in marine waters (M. colpogenes), and on the skin or in skin glands or skin-gland secretions of vertebrates (M. flavus). Those species found in milk, such as M. luteus, M. varians, and M. freudenreichii, are sometimes referred to as milk micrococci and can…
Read More