Azospirillum is a nitrogen fixing bacterium in paddy fields. It is very useful soil and root bacterium. It is an associative symbiotic N2-fixing bacteria. When it is added to the soil, it multiplies in millions and can supply 20-40 Kg of nitrogen per hectare, per season. It also produces growth promoting substances like Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), gibberellins and promotes root proliferation. These substances improve the plant growth and yield.

Nitrogen Fixation in Paddy Fields

Paddy fields are flooded fields where rice is grown. These fields require a lot of nitrogen for the growth of rice plants. However, the soil in paddy fields is often deficient in nitrogen. Therefore, nitrogen fixation is an essential process that takes place in paddy fields. Nitrogen fixation refers to the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use.

The Common Nitrogen-Fixer in Paddy Fields

The common nitrogen-fixer in paddy fields is Azospirillum. Azospirillum is a type of bacteria that lives in the soil and forms a symbiotic relationship with rice plants. The bacteria fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into a form that the rice plants can use. This process is beneficial for both the bacteria and the rice plants.

How Azospirillum Fixes Nitrogen

Azospirillum fixes nitrogen through a process called biological nitrogen fixation. During this process, the bacteria take nitrogen from the air and convert it into ammonia. The ammonia is then converted into ammonium ions, which can be taken up by the rice plants. This process is carried out by an enzyme called nitrogenase.

Benefits of Azospirillum

Azospirillum provides several benefits to rice plants. These benefits include:

1. Increased nitrogen availability: Azospirillum fixes atmospheric nitrogen and makes it available to rice plants. This reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which can be expensive and harmful to the environment.

2. Improved plant growth: Azospirillum produces plant growth-promoting hormones that stimulate the growth of rice plants. This results in stronger, healthier plants that produce higher yields.

3. Enhanced disease resistance: Azospirillum produces compounds that help rice plants resist diseases. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment and to human health.

Conclusion

Azospirillum is the common nitrogen-fixer in paddy fields. This bacteria fixes atmospheric nitrogen and makes it available to rice plants. The process of nitrogen fixation provides several benefits to rice plants, including increased nitrogen availability, improved plant growth, and enhanced disease resistance. Overall, Azospirillum is an essential component of paddy field ecosystems and plays a crucial role in the growth and development of rice plants.