Which is the free-living bacteria that increases the yield of paddy in the soil?

Azotobacter is a free-living bacterium that increases the yield of paddy in the soil. It is known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which enriches the soil and provides a valuable nutrient source for paddy plants. This process helps to improve soil fertility and enhances crop growth and yield. Unlike Rhizobium, which forms symbiotic relationships with legumes, Azotobacter does not require a plant host and can thrive independently in the soil. Acetobacter is known for its role in the production of acetic acid and is not directly related to paddy cultivation. Anabaena is a genus of cyanobacteria that can also fix nitrogen but is more commonly associated with aquatic environments rather than soil. Therefore, Azotobacter is the most effective free-living bacteria for increasing paddy yield in soil.