Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part G (2016)

Abstract
This study was conducted to isolate bacteria from garden soil from the college campus in Kalyan, Dist Thane, and evaluate their potential as biofertilizers. Seven morphologically distinguished bacterial isolates (ASH1, SOB1, SOB2, SOB3, SOB4, PS1 and PS2) were isolated. These isolates were studied for their colony characteristics and were found to be Gram negative in nature. These isolates could grow at a broad temperature range, tolerate high concentrations of salt and survive in varying pH concentrations. The isolates were checked for their ability to produce IAA, sulphate ions, organic acids, siderphores, nitrites and solubilise phosphates. Isolate SOB3 was found to produce maximum amount of IAA, nitrites and showed higher sulphate oxidising potential. These isolates if used as biofertilizers can restore the soil's natural nutrient cycle and build soil organic matter, thus providing nutrients to the growing plants.