Addressing nitrogen-rich biomass production challenges in Azolla microphylla cultivation from varying shading and water depth dynamics


Citation

Sri Utami Lestari, . and Dyah Roeswitawati, . and Syafrani, . and Maftuchah, . and Indra Purnama, . (2024) Addressing nitrogen-rich biomass production challenges in Azolla microphylla cultivation from varying shading and water depth dynamics. Pertanika Journal Tropical Agricultural Science (Malaysia), 47 (3). pp. 889-904. ISSN 1511-3701

Abstract

Azolla microphylla, a rapidly growing aquatic fern with the unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, presents significant potential for sustainable agriculture. Despite its nitrogen-fixing prowess, challenges persist in optimizing biomass production, prompting a detailed exploration of influential factors in this study. This paper addresses the persistent challenge of optimizing nitrogen-rich biomass production in Azolla cultivation. Employing a split-plot experimental design, the study investigates the influential factors of shading percentage (N) and water depth (G) in Azolla growth, systematically ranging from 0% (full sunlight/N1) to 75% (N3) shading percentages and 2.5 cm (G1), 5.0 cm (G2), and 7.5 cm (G3) water depths. In addition to assessing growth and production outcomes, this study explores the nitrogen content in Azolla under three different conditions: fresh, dried, and composted Azolla. Findings unveil the significant influence of shading percentage and water depth on Azolla growth, with the N1G2 treatment identified as the optimal condition for achieving maximum biomass production. Set against the backdrop of tropical agriculture, specifically within the high temperatures in Indonesia, our study underscores the resilience of Azolla to elevated temperatures, highlighting its potential as a nitrogen-fixing agent. Notably, fresh Azolla closely matches urea in nitrogen content, suggesting its potential as an organic fertilizer substitute for urea. This research sheds light on the critical challenges surrounding nitrogen-rich biomass production from fresh Azolla, emphasizing the necessity of temperature resilience and water depth optimization. The insights provided hold significance for tropical agriculture practices seeking to harness the potential of Azolla as a free-air nitrogen fixator.


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Abstract

Azolla microphylla, a rapidly growing aquatic fern with the unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, presents significant potential for sustainable agriculture. Despite its nitrogen-fixing prowess, challenges persist in optimizing biomass production, prompting a detailed exploration of influential factors in this study. This paper addresses the persistent challenge of optimizing nitrogen-rich biomass production in Azolla cultivation. Employing a split-plot experimental design, the study investigates the influential factors of shading percentage (N) and water depth (G) in Azolla growth, systematically ranging from 0% (full sunlight/N1) to 75% (N3) shading percentages and 2.5 cm (G1), 5.0 cm (G2), and 7.5 cm (G3) water depths. In addition to assessing growth and production outcomes, this study explores the nitrogen content in Azolla under three different conditions: fresh, dried, and composted Azolla. Findings unveil the significant influence of shading percentage and water depth on Azolla growth, with the N1G2 treatment identified as the optimal condition for achieving maximum biomass production. Set against the backdrop of tropical agriculture, specifically within the high temperatures in Indonesia, our study underscores the resilience of Azolla to elevated temperatures, highlighting its potential as a nitrogen-fixing agent. Notably, fresh Azolla closely matches urea in nitrogen content, suggesting its potential as an organic fertilizer substitute for urea. This research sheds light on the critical challenges surrounding nitrogen-rich biomass production from fresh Azolla, emphasizing the necessity of temperature resilience and water depth optimization. The insights provided hold significance for tropical agriculture practices seeking to harness the potential of Azolla as a free-air nitrogen fixator.

Additional Metadata

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Item Type: Article
AGROVOC Term: biomass
AGROVOC Term: nitrogen
AGROVOC Term: cultivation
AGROVOC Term: biomass production
AGROVOC Term: composting
AGROVOC Term: shading
AGROVOC Term: water depth
AGROVOC Term: temperature
AGROVOC Term: biomass production
AGROVOC Term: nitrogen content
Geographical Term: Indonesia
Depositing User: Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited: 26 Feb 2026 06:50
Last Modified: 26 Feb 2026 06:50
URI: http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/3388

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