Optimum conditions for culturing of Azolla (Azolla pinnata)

Abstract

The study was conducted to optimise the environmental conditions required for culturing of Azolla pinnata in 24 pits (2 x 2 x 0.2 m) using different manures (cattle, sheep, poultry and pig manures) in 4 x 3 factorial design. The optimumenvironmental conditions were in the range of 28.94 – 33.46oC, 1413.29 – 1561.57 Lux and 47.28 – 64.85 (%) of temperature, light intensity and relative humidity respectively. Which favoured the vegetative mass yield of 3.73 kg and dry matter yield of 172 g per pit per week. Cattle, sheep, poultry manures are comparable and superior when compared to pig manure. The vegetative mass yield (kg) was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in Azolla pits used pig manure when compared with other treatments.