Azolla Grass (Azolla Fern)
Azolla, often referred to as "Azolla grass," is actually a small, aquatic fern rather than a true grass. It floats on the surface of water and is known for its rapid growth and high nutritional value. Azolla is commonly used in agriculture as green manure, livestock feed, and even as a biofertilizer.
Key Features:
Scientific Name: Azolla pinnata (one of the common species)
Growth: It grows quickly in stagnant or slow-moving water, doubling its biomass in 3–5 days under ideal conditions.
Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation: Azolla has a symbiotic relationship with a cyanobacterium (Anabaena azollae) that helps it fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it a natural fertilizer.
Rich in Nutrients: It contains about 25–30% protein (dry weight), vitamins (especially Vitamin A and B12), minerals, and essential amino acids.
Uses:
- Livestock Feed: Fed to chickens, ducks, pigs, cows, goats, and fish. It enhances growth, improves egg and milk production, and reduces feed costs.
- Biofertilizer: Used in rice paddies to improve soil fertility and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
- Environmental Benefits: Helps in carbon sequestration and water purification by absorbing heavy metals and excess nutrients.
Growing Conditions:
Requires shallow, clean, and nutrient-rich water.
Grows best in temperatures between 20°C to 30°C.
Needs sunlight but not intense direct heat.
Benefits:
Cost-effective and sustainable source of protein.
Reduces dependency on commercial feed.
Eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers.