1) Azotobacter are soil-dwelling bacteria that can fix atmospheric nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation, contributing to soil fertility and plant growth.
2) They produce growth-promoting substances like auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins that stimulate plant growth. Seed inoculation with Azotobacter increases seed germination and nutrient uptake in plants.
3) The abundance of Azotobacter in soil depends on factors like organic matter, pH, and temperature. They are beneficial for crop growth by improving soil nitrogen levels and stimulating other rhizospheric microbes.