Track 2-1-2: Forage Conservation, Value Addition and Balanced Nutrition
Publication Date
2015
Location
New Delhi, India
Description
The water fern Azolla, which grows in association with the blue-green algae Anabaena azollae, a nitrogen fixing organism, is the most promising from the point of view of ease of cultivation, productivity and nutritive value. It grows naturally in stagnant water of drains, canals, ponds, rivers, marshy lands. Azolla can be used in animal feed and it is a potential feed ingredient for livestock; it is an income generating crop. Azolla is easily propagated but requires abundant standing water, relative humidity of 85-90%, pH of 4.5-6.5, salinity between 90-150 mg/L and adequate phosphorus for its nutritional needs. It is labour intensive, grows fast. Azolla doubles its weight in 3-5 days. From a start of 1t/ha, it can reach a fresh weight of 15-20 t/ha in about 20 days. Azolla is rich in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
Citation
Choudhary, Sunil Dutt; Choudhary, Sheela; Yadav, Poonam; and Kumawat, Manish, "Evaluation of Nutritive Value of Azolla pinnata" (2015). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 24.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/23/2-1-2/24)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Evaluation of Nutritive Value of Azolla pinnata
New Delhi, India
The water fern Azolla, which grows in association with the blue-green algae Anabaena azollae, a nitrogen fixing organism, is the most promising from the point of view of ease of cultivation, productivity and nutritive value. It grows naturally in stagnant water of drains, canals, ponds, rivers, marshy lands. Azolla can be used in animal feed and it is a potential feed ingredient for livestock; it is an income generating crop. Azolla is easily propagated but requires abundant standing water, relative humidity of 85-90%, pH of 4.5-6.5, salinity between 90-150 mg/L and adequate phosphorus for its nutritional needs. It is labour intensive, grows fast. Azolla doubles its weight in 3-5 days. From a start of 1t/ha, it can reach a fresh weight of 15-20 t/ha in about 20 days. Azolla is rich in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
