Aerobic microorganisms in bovine waste with reference to the isolation of nitrogen-fixing Azotobacter spp.

Azotobacter spp, are known to produce growth-promoting substances and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Cyst-forming Azotobacter spp. were found in three samples of bovine waste: aseptically taken from the rectal passage, taken at the time of voiding by the animal, and from the effluent from a biogas digester. The multiplication of azotobacters at optimum moisture in cow dung suggests such a possibility in manured soil puddles. The dense population of these nitrogen-fixing bacteria, producing growth-promoting substances, could help in seedling establishment in the field.