Azobacter

/ˌeɪ.zoʊˈbæk.tər/ noun

Definition

A type of bacteria that can convert nitrogen gas from the air into usable nitrogen compounds, helping enrich soil for plants.

Etymology

From 'azo-' (Greek azo, life or nitrogen chemistry) + 'bacter' (Greek bakteron, staff or rod, referring to bacteria shape). Named in the late 1800s by microbiologists studying nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Kelly Says

Azobacter are like tiny fertilizer factories in soil—they grab nitrogen from the air and convert it into forms plants can eat, which is why farmers love them and why some are used as biological fertilizers.

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