Most studies of in situ denitrification in upland soils have been conducted in agricultural grassland and forest ecosystems, with a paucity of studies reported from other ecosystems. A large range of annual, in situ, denitrification rates have been reported (0–239 kg N/ha.year), with the highest rates typically occurring in irrigated, nitrogen-fertilised soils. However, most annual denitrification rates reported in the literature appear to be fairly low, with over half of the rates in forest soils being <1 kg N/ha.year (mean of 1.9 kg N/ha.year). Rates of denitrification in agricultural soils tend to be higher than in forest soils, with 85% of rates reported being >1 kg N/ha.year, and a mean rate of 13 kg N/ha.year. Numerous soil, site, and management factors have been reported to affect the denitrification process in situ. The literature indicates that the highest rates of denitrification can be expected in nitrogen-fertilised soils, or where site management increases soil nitrate availability. Where nitrate is non-limiting, denitrification rates appear to be highest in irrigated loam soils. The review suggests that it is difficult to predict denitrification rates based on our current understanding, and that pilot studies should still be conducted if soil nitrogen balances are required.