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VOL. 11, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Characterization of Azotobacter spp. from Gangapur, Dist. Aurangabad (MS)
Authors
M T Kuchekar, D B Khemnar
Abstract
Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) is a critical microbial process that
recycles environmental nitrogen and maintains nitrogen homeostasis within the
biosphere. Azotobacter, a genus of free-living, non-symbiotic,
heterotrophic diazotrophs, plays a vital role in augmenting soil nitrogen
levels. In this study, 25 rhizosphere soil samples were randomly collected from
diverse agricultural locations across the Gangapur taluka. Physiochemical
analysis revealed soil pH values ranging between 7.2 and 7.8, alongside Water
Holding Capacities (WHC) between 30.45% and 39.81%. Morphological and
biochemical assays confirmed the presence of Azotobacter spp. in 18 of
the 25 samples. We successfully isolated and identified three distinct species:
A. chroococcum, A. indicus, and A. paspali. Biochemical
characterization indicated that A. paspali lacked starch hydrolysis and
nitrate reduction capabilities, whereas A. indicus tested negative for
urea hydrolysis. Conversely, A. chroococcum exhibited positive results
across all administered biochemical tests.
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Pages:127-130
How to cite this article:
M T Kuchekar, D B Khemnar "Characterization of <i>Azotobacter</i> spp. from Gangapur, Dist. Aurangabad (MS)". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 11, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 127-130
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