Does Azolla have any future in agriculture?

Abstract

The major aspects and history of Azolla utilization are reviewed. The useful characteristics of Azolla are outlined. It can be used as a food, a mosquito inhibitor, a green manure, a herbicide, a water saver, a water purifier, a nitrogen fertilizer saver, a drug, and for reclaiming saline soils. Limiting factors to the use of Azolla include the need for water, high phosphorus requirements, susceptibility to pests, and limited temperature tolerance. Azolla utilization also requires labour for maintenance, transport, inoculation, and burying. The effects of Azolla on water temperature, locust behaviour, and tillering are discussed. A strategy is proposed for testing the possible benefit to farmers of Azolla. Source: CAB