AZOLLA: A SUSTAINABLE BIOFERTILIZER FOR ENHANCING CROP PRODUCTIVITY – A REVIEW

Abstract

Azolla, a fast-growing aquatic fern, has gained significant attention as a biofertilizer, particularly for rice and other crops, due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through its symbiotic association with the cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae. Beyond its role in nitrogen fixation, Azolla serves multiple purposes, including use as animal feed, a biogas producer, and a hyperaccumulator of heavy metals. While chemical fertilizers are widely used to enhance crop productivity, their excessive application poses serious environmental and health risks. In contrast, Azolla-based biofertilizers not only enhance crop yield but also contribute to long-term soil fertility and sustainability. Given its diverse applications and eco-friendly nature, the Azolla-Anabaena system presents a promising alternative for sustainable agriculture. This review critically evaluates the potential of Azolla as a biofertilizer for improving agricultural sustainability.