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Azospirillum and Azotobacter are beneficial bacteria used in agriculture for nitrogen fixation and enhancing plant growth. Azospirillum is isolated from the rhizosphere and works synergistically with other microorganisms, while Azotobacter is a free-living bacterium that improves soil structure and crop yields. Both play a vital role in sustainable farming by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and increasing soil fertility.

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25 views3 pages

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Azospirillum and Azotobacter are beneficial bacteria used in agriculture for nitrogen fixation and enhancing plant growth. Azospirillum is isolated from the rhizosphere and works synergistically with other microorganisms, while Azotobacter is a free-living bacterium that improves soil structure and crop yields. Both play a vital role in sustainable farming by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and increasing soil fertility.

Uploaded by

hgmystery05
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Azospirillum sp. And Azotobacter sp.

: Isolation, Multiplication, and Role in


Agriculture

Azospirillum sp.

1. Isolation and Mass Multiplication of Carrier-Based Inoculant:

Isolation:

Azospirillum is isolated from the rhizosphere (root zone) of various crops


using selective media like Nitrogen-Free Malate Medium (NFMM).

Soil samples are collected, diluted, and plated on NFMM agar. Colonies
appearing pink or white are further tested for nitrogen-fixing ability.

Mass Multiplication:

Azospirillum is grown in liquid broth media under controlled conditions (pH


~6.8-7.2, temperature ~30°C).

After sufficient growth, cultures are mixed with sterilized carrier material
like peat, lignite, or charcoal.

The inoculant is dried and packed for agricultural application.

2. Associative Effect of Different Microorganisms:

Azospirillum forms beneficial associations with crops like rice, wheat,


maize, and millets.

It works well when combined with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB),


Azotobacter, or Rhizobium to improve nitrogen fixation and phosphorus
availability.

This synergistic interaction enhances root growth, nutrient uptake, and


crop productivity.

Azotobacter sp.

1. Classification:

Kingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Proteobacteria

Class: Gammaproteobacteria

Order: Pseudomonadales

Family: Pseudomonadaceae
Genus: Azotobacter

Common species: Azotobacter chroococcum, Azotobacter vinelandii,


Azotobacter beijerinckii

2. Characteristics:

Free-living, nitrogen-fixing, gram-negative bacteria.

Oval or spherical in shape, motile due to flagella.

Forms thick cysts to survive under unfavorable conditions.

Produces polysaccharides, which improve soil structure.

Requires a high organic matter content for optimal growth.

3. Crop Response to Azotobacter sp. Inoculum:

Enhances seed germination and seedling vigor.

Improves nitrogen availability in the soil.

Produces plant growth-promoting substances like IAA (Indole Acetic Acid),


gibberellins, and cytokinins.

Increases crop yield in cereals, vegetables, and cash crops (e.g., wheat,
maize, potato, and tomato).

4. Maintenance and Mass Multiplication:

Maintenance:

Grown on Jensen’s medium (a nitrogen-free medium).

Stored on agar slants or in liquid media under refrigeration for long-term


preservation.

Mass Multiplication:

Cultured in liquid fermentation media (Jensen’s broth) under aerated


conditions.

After optimal growth, cultures are mixed with sterilized peat, lignite, or
talc powder as a carrier material.

Packaged and stored for field application.

Conclusion:
Both Azospirillum and Azotobacter play crucial roles in sustainable
agriculture by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and promoting plant growth.
Their inoculants are widely used in organic farming to reduce chemical
fertilizer dependency, enhance soil fertility, and improve crop yields.

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