• Firdous S. Biradar

Azotobacter species are free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria widely present in agricultural soils and play an important role in soil fertility and plant growth promotion. The present study was carried out to isolate and characterize from agricultural soil samples collected from different fields of Latur region, Maharashtra, India. Soil samples were serially diluted and plated on nitrogen-free Ashby’ s mannitol agar medium for selective isolation of Azotobacter. Colonies showing typical mucoid, smooth, and glistening appearance were selected and purified. Morphological, biochemical, and microscopic characterization was performed for identification. The isolates were Gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile, catalase positive and capable of forming cysts, confirming their identity as . The study approves the presence of efficient nitrogen-fixing bacteria in Latur agricultural soil, which may be useful as biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture.

nitrogen fixation, biofertilizer, Ashby medium, Latur soil,

"Isolation and Characterization of Azotobacter beijerinckii VS2 from Agricultural Soil of Latur Region, Maharashtra, India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 3, page no.h595-h600, March-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2603776.pdf

"Isolation and Characterization of Azotobacter beijerinckii VS2 from Agricultural Soil of Latur Region, Maharashtra, India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 3, page no. pph595-h600, March-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2603776.pdf