Our Azolla beds have dried up and no Azolla remains in them, so we have decided to replenish them and prepare new Azolla beds.
Introduction
Azolla is a small, floating aquatic plant that belongs to the fern family (Azollaceae). It is a non-vascular plant that grows on the surface of water, resembling a small, floating leaf.Azolla has tiny leaves (1-5 mm long) that are rounded or oval-shaped, with a small stem and roots that hang below the water surface. It has a bright green color and can form dense mats on the water surface.Azolla grows in freshwater environments, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and wetlands, in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in calm or slow-moving water with high nutrient levels. Azolla contains up to 35-40% protein, making it an excellent source of plant-based protein.Azolla is an excellent addition to animal feed, especially for poultry, fish, and livestock, due to its high protein and nutrient content. It is also used as a supplement in human nutrition, particularly in plant-based diets.
Materials and Chemicals
| Materials | Chemicals |
| Azolla bed size (12*4*1) | Bleaching powder |
| Azolla culture | Potassium Schoenite |
| pH meter | Single super phosphate |
| Cowdung | Magnesium Sulphate |
| Seive | Phosphoric acid |
| Soil | |
| Weighing balance |
Preparation of beds
Azolla required 50% light intensity for optimal growth .So we arranged a bed in shade to maintain light intensity
We started by removing all the soil from the dried Azolla bed.
Next, we cleaned the bed using bleaching powder to eliminate algal contamination.
Then, we rinsed thoroughly with water five times.
Next, we collected the soil and sieved it finely.
We weighed out 20 kg of soil per bed.
We collect cow dung, make a slurry, and sieve the slurry finely.
Next, we filled the bed with soil and slurry, and then added water to a depth of 10 cm.
Then, we wait for the soil and slurry particles to settle down.
Then,chemical fertilizer about 68.09 g Nutrient mix (made by mixing 1500 g single super phosphate,150 g magnesium sulphate,50 g Potassium Schonite) is added to Azolla bed. Allow the bed or tank to stand overnight .pH should be maintain ranges 5.5 -7 with Phosphoric acid .
On next day,spread around 250 g of fresh Azolla inoculum on surface of water. About 1 kg mother culture of Azolla brought from (BAIF Campus) Wagholi, Pune,Maharashtra.Water level in tank should be maintain.
Single Super Phosphate (SSP) is to be added at the rate of 17.02 g per tank area every week.
Precaution
- Temperature is an importance factor for growth .It should be around 35 degree Celcius .
- pH should be maintain between 5.5 to 7.
- Water level should be maintain properly to avoid drying.
- regularly inspect and maintain the shade to ensure it remain secure and effective .
