Azotobacter is a genus of usually motile, oval or spherical bacteria that form thick-walled cysts and may produce large quantities of capsular slime. They are aerophilous, nonparasitic dirt microbes which play an important role in the nitrogen cycle in nature, constipating atmospheric nitrogen, which comprises unobtainable to plants, and releasing it in the form of ammonium ions into the soil. Apart from being a model organism, it is used by humans for the production of biofertilizers, food additives and some biopolymers. It is a great source of nitrogen to meet the needs of crops because also has the capabilities to cause a rejuvenation of soil microbiology to tap out the biological fixation of nitrogen.
Azotobacter is a genus of free-living diazotrophic bacteria whose resting stage is a cyst. It is primarily found in neutral to alkaline soils, in aquatic environments, and on some plants. It has several metabolic capabilties, including atmospheric nitrogen fixation by conversion to ammonia.
Azotobacter spp.,are sensitive to acidic pH, high salts, and temperature above 350C .
The bacteria are rod-shaped and stain negative in the Gram staining procedure. Some species are capable of directed movement, by means of a flagellum positioned at one end of the bacterium. Furthermore, some species produce pigments, which lend a yellow-green, red-violet, or brownish-black hue to the soil where they are located.
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