The nitrogen-fixing BGA Anabaena azollae is found in a floating water fern called ‘Azolla.’ Azolla contributes organic matter to the soil by containing 3.4 percent nitrogen (on a dry weight basis). Rice farming uses this biofertilizer. The Azolla plant has a branching, floating stem, highly bilobed leaves, and real roots that reach deep into the water. If water is not a limiting element and environmental conditions are favourable for its growth, Azolla can be grown all year in India. This fern develops a green carpet over water in most cases. Azolla decomposes quickly to NH4, which the rice plants can use. Rice yields increased by 0.5-2t/ha in field trials after Azolla was applied. Azolla application has been observed to boost rice yield by roughly 20% and 18% in India and China, respectively .
What is azolla biofertilizer?
