An overview of underutilized benefits derived from Azolla as a promising biofertilizer in lowland rice production

作者：Said H. Marzouk, Hamis J. Tindwa, Nyambilila Amuri, J. M. R. Semoka · 发表于：Heliyon · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13040 · 被引用次数：48 · 研究领域：Biological Control of Invasive Species、Cassava research and cyanide、Aquatic Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Currently, there is no doubt that Azolla can compensate for the nitrogen requirements of rice in different agroecological zones. Compared to synthetic N-fertilizers, Azolla has various positive impacts on lowland rice production, including improving soil fertility, minimizing weeds, increasing soil organic carbon, improving microbial biomass, and thus nutrient cycling and enhancing rice growth and yield. However, Azolla has not been accepted globally by rice farmers for field use and so far, farmers are relying on increasing rates of synthetic N fertilizers instead of taking advantage of Azolla which will improve long-term soil fertility and health. This systematic literature review and scientific evidence could help policymakers, scientists and researchers to understand the benefits, limitations, and innovative ways of utilizing Azolla as a cost-effective and eco-friendly amendment in rice production. The paper uses Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method to review the hidden potential of Azolla as a biofertilizer in paddy and summarizes its benefits and problems by collecting information from different sources and presenting under different subheadings such as critical factors affecting Azolla growth and nitrogen fixation, nitrogen fixation of Anabaena Azollae and their contribution in soil health, release and availability of Azolla -N to rice, amounts and time of Azolla inoculation, influence of Azolla on ammonia volatilization, co...