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🔬 Biology  ·  Mineral Nutrition  ·  NEET

Which free-living soil bacterium fixes atmospheric nitrogen?

  • A Rhizobium
  • B Nitrosomonas
  • C Azotobacter
  • D Salmonella

Correct answer: C. Azotobacter

Explanation: Azotobacter is a free-living (non-symbiotic) aerobic nitrogen-fixing bacterium in soil. Other free-living fixers: Clostridium (anaerobic), Beijerinckia. Unlike Rhizobium, it does not need a plant host.

Concept context

Essential mineral elements, their roles and deficiency symptoms. Nitrogen fixation and soil nutrition.

Read the full Mineral Nutrition notes →