Know Which Fertilizer to use in Paddy Field to Increase the Yield

Key Highlights

• Azolla green manure enhances paddy yield by 5-15%.
• Rapid growth: doubles in 5-6 days.
• Cost-effective organic fertilizer alternative.
• Improves soil fertility and water conservation.

Paddy, a crucial staple during the Kharif season, plays a pivotal role in agricultural landscapes, particularly in regions where it is the primary crop. In a bid to optimize paddy production, farmers are continually exploring innovative methods. One such approach gaining traction is the integration of green manure into paddy cultivation, offering a dual advantage of enhancing crop productivity while simultaneously providing supplementary fodder for livestock. Among the various green manure options available, Azolla emerges as a standout performer, promising remarkable results in supporting paddy yields.

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What is Azolla Green Manure?

Azolla, a fast-growing aquatic fern, presents itself as an ideal green manure candidate for paddy fields. Its symbiotic relationship with paddy plants allows for the efficient transfer of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, thereby promoting robust crop growth and improving overall yield quality. One of the defining characteristics of Azolla is its rapid preparation time, making it an attractive option for farmers seeking to accelerate the enhancement of their paddy yields.

Preparing Azolla Green Manure in Paddy Fields

The process of harnessing Azolla's potential begins with the introduction of approximately 10 tons of fresh Azolla into water-filled paddy fields, supplemented with 30 to 40 kg of super phosphate before paddy transplantation. Optimal temperature conditions, ranging between 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, facilitate Azolla's proliferation, offering natural weed suppression benefits while simultaneously augmenting paddy yield by a notable margin, typically ranging between 5 to 15 percent.

Benefits of Azolla Green Manure

Azolla's utility as a green manure extends beyond mere nitrogen fixation:

• Azolla's unique ability to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide and nitrogen into essential nutrients such as carbohydrates and ammonia proves invaluable in enriching both the crop and soil.
• Its presence fosters enhanced oxygen supply to soil microorganisms and paddy plant roots, promoting overall soil health.
• Azolla's application provides a crucial source of nitrogen fertilizer, ranging from 20 to 40 kg per hectare, essential for sustaining optimal crop growth.
• Additionally, Azolla's presence aids in reducing water evaporation rates in irrigated paddy fields, thus contributing to water conservation efforts.

Main Features of Azolla Fertilizer

Azolla's exceptional attributes further underscore its utility as a potent fertilizer:

• With a rapid growth rate, Azolla can double in size within a mere 5 to 6 days under favorable conditions, potentially yielding an impressive 300-350 tonnes per hectare annually.
• Boasting a nitrogen content ranging from 3.3 to 3.5 percent, Azolla green manure significantly enriches soil fertility and organic matter content.
• Its cost-effective nature makes Azolla a viable organic fertilizer alternative for farmers, further complemented by its utility as nutritious animal feed, contributing to increased milk production among livestock.

Optimizing Azolla for Enhanced Paddy Yield

To maximize the benefits of Azolla green manure, farmers are advised to cultivate it for a duration of two to three weeks in waterlogged fields preceding paddy transplantation. Following this, Azolla can either be incorporated directly into the field or added post-transplantation, effectively reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers while concurrently enriching soil health and supporting the paddy yield.

By embracing the potential of Azolla green manure, farmers stand to not only augment paddy production but also enhance the fertility of the soil, thereby fostering sustainable agricultural practices beneficial to long-term productivity and environmental management.

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CMV360 Says

Azolla green manure presents a promising solution for enhancing paddy yield and soil fertility. Its rapid growth, nitrogen fixation capabilities, and cost-effectiveness make it a valuable asset for farmers. By integrating Azolla into cultivation practices, farmers can achieve higher yields, promote sustainable agriculture, and ensure long-term agricultural prosperity.