In this post we are going to look at
1.)About Azolla farming
2.)FAQ about Azolla farming
3.)Factors Affecting Azolla Production Rates
4.)Benefits of Azolla Farming
5.) How to grow Azolla
6.) How To Maintain Azolla Ponds
7.)Harvesting of Azolla
8.)Challenges Facing Azolla Farming
9.)Azolla farming groups on Facebook
10.)Azolla weeds sellers
The protein found in Azolla contains essential amino acids like lysine and methionine, which are important for growth and development in animals.
Image of Azolla weed by Azolla foundation
Azolla is a floating aquatic fern that grows in ponds, ditches, and calm water bodies. Unlike most plants, Azolla contains a symbiotic blue-green algae (cyanobacterium) called Anabaena azollae, which enables it to fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it an excellent natural fertilizer.
Image of Azolla farming in a pond
Azolla is rich in proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it ideal for animal feed. Azolla are pteridophyte is a vascular plant that reproduces by means of spores. Because pteridophytes produce neither flowers nor seeds, they are sometimes referred to as "cryptogams", meaning that their means of reproduction is hidden
Image of Duckweed by The Azolla Foundation
FAQ about Azolla farming
Image of Azolla growing at Lake Nakuru
Is Azolla duckweed
No, Azolla and duckweed are not the same, although they share some similarities. The Differences between Azolla and Duckweed in terms of Classification is that Azolla is a genus of aquatic ferns belonging to the family Salviniaceae. It is a floating water fern that often appears alongside bodies of freshwater.while Duckweed, on the other hand, belongs to the family Lemnaceae. Duckweed species, like Lemna, are small, free-floating flowering plants.
To prevent algae growth in your Azolla pond (which competes for nutrients), ensure regular water changes and avoid excessive nutrient additions.
The only Similarities between both is that they are free-floating aquatic plants and are efficient at removing excess nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, from water bodies Both Azolla and Duck weed have been used as biofertilizers and feed sources for livestock and fish.
What is the Cost of Azolla seeds
The average cost of Azolla seeds is 200ksh to1000Ksh for a Kilogram , the pricing depends with various Azolla vendors
Image of Azolla growing in a pond
Do Goats eat Azolla
Image of Goats eating Azolla
Definitely Yes!, Azolla is a valuable feed for goats, and incorporating it into their diet can reduce the need for expensive commercial feeds while providing essential nutrients.
Azolla production per square meter
With careful management, including regular nutrient supplementation and harvesting, daily yields of up to 1 kilogram per square meter can be achieved. However, reaching this level requires ideal environmental conditions and consistent maintenance.
Image of Azolla setup by Azolla farming Kenya
What is Azolla protein content
On average, Azolla contains around 25% protein, making it an excellent feed supplement for livestock, including poultry, cattle, goats, and fish. Some species of Azolla can even reach up to 30% protein under optimal conditions.
Is Azolla a fungi or algae
Azolla is neither fungi nor algae; it is an aquatic fern (a type of plant) from the genus Azolla. It forms a symbiotic relationship with a type of cyanobacterium (Anabaena azollae), which is often mistaken for algae. This relationship allows Azolla to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, which is one of the reasons it is so beneficial as a natural fertilizer in agriculture.
Image of an Azolla Pond by patricia Mulwa
How long does Azolla take to mature
Azolla typically takes about 7 to 10 days to mature and be ready for harvest under optimal growing conditions.
How deep should Azolla pond be?
An Azolla pond should ideally have a depth of 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches). This shallow depth allows for optimal growth and easy management, this depth works well as it will ensure
Easy Access to Sunlight: Azolla needs sufficient exposure to sunlight for photosynthesis, and a shallow pond ensures the plant gets enough light without being shaded by deeper water.
Nutrient Absorption: With a shallower water body, nutrients are more readily available to the Azolla plants, promoting faster and healthier growth.
Harvesting Convenience: A shallow pond makes harvesting easier and more efficient, allowing for manual collection or simple scooping tools to be used effectively.
Image of an Azolla pond by Nelson Kivuti
Azolla can be killed or severely damaged by several environmental and biological factors such as Extreme Temperatures
as Azolla thrives in temperatures between 20°C and 30° ,High Salinity Azolla does not tolerate high salt concentrations in the water. Salinity levels above 1 gram per liter can inhibit growth and eventually kill the plant.
Can azolla be eaten by humans?
In some cultures, Azolla has been studied as a potential supplement to combat malnutrition due to its high protein content
How fast does Azolla multiply?
Azolla has an exceptionally rapid multiplication rate under favorable conditions. It can double its biomass every 3 to 5 days
How can I make my Azolla grow faster?
To help your Azolla grow faster, focus on this main conditions :
Maintain Optimal Water Quality
Providing Sufficient Sunlight and Shade
Adding Nutrients Regularly
Maintain Proper Temperature
Ensure Good Aeration and Oxygenation
Avoid Overcrowding and Regularly Harvest
Image of Azolla pond by Patricia Mulwa
Azolla turning black is a sign that the plant is stressed or deteriorating, usually due to environmental or nutrient imbalances such as Excessive Sunlight Exposure which can be solved by providing partial shade over the Azolla pond ,Poor Water Quality or Pollution which can be solved by Use of clean, fresh water or rainwater, and avoid using untreated wastewater ,Nutrient Imbalance which can be solved by Adding a small amount of organic fertilizer (like composted manure) or rock phosphate if there’s a deficiency.
Temperature &Climate
Azolla thrives in warm temperatures of 20-30°C. If temperatures go above 35°C or below 15°C, growth rates slow down. In the ideal range, the growth rate is highest, resulting in peak yield.
Sunlight
Azolla requires water with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. If the pH is outside this range, the growth can be affected, potentially reducing biomass yield.
Nutrient Supply
Adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace minerals are essential for maximum production. Supplementing the water with organic manure, compost, or mineral nutrients every 2-3 weeks helps maintain high productivity.
Water Quality & PH
Azolla grows best in fresh or rainwater, with a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5. High salinity or pollution in the water can significantly reduce production rates
Animal Feed
Image of Chicken eating Azolla by Kui Maina
Azolla is an excellent protein source for livestock, including chickens, ducks, pigs, goats, cattle, and fish. Incorporating Azolla into feed rations can reduce reliance on traditional feed ingredients, like soy and fish meal, lowering costs and promoting sustainable animal husbandry.
Green Manure
When applied as a green manure in rice paddies, Azolla enhances soil fertility by increasing the nitrogen content, which promotes healthy crop growth and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. It’s particularly beneficial in organic farming systems.
Water Conservation
Azolla forms a dense mat on the water's surface, reducing water evaporation, conserving soil moisture, and helping maintain cooler water temperatures. This makes it valuable in arid or water-scarce regions.
Image of Azolla weeds by STADItweets
How to Grow Azolla
Choosing a Cultivation Site
Image of Azolla preparation by Waseto KE
Azolla grows best in warm, sunny areas with still or slow-moving water. While it can be cultivated in any container that holds water, traditional Azolla farming is typically done in shallow ponds or basins. For beginners, a simple pond or even a large plastic container can suffice.
Setting Up an Azolla Pond
Image of Azolla preparation by Gladys Muthoni
Site Preparation
Choose a location with good sunlight exposure (4–6 hours daily). Construct a shallow pond (10–15 cm deep) with a plastic or concrete lining to prevent water seepage.
Water Quality
Maintain a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Use freshwater, rainwater, or treated water, as Azolla is sensitive to salt and contaminated water.
Adding Nutrients
Add 2 kg of well-rotted farmyard manure or compost per square meter to provide initial nutrients. Incorporate small amounts of rock phosphate and micronutrients if available.
Inoculation
Image of empty pond for growing Azolla by Gladys Muthoni
Add a small quantity of healthy Azolla culture into the pond. Under favorable conditions, the Azolla should begin growing rapidly within a week.
Maintenance
Top up water levels as needed and ensure the pond does not dry out. Remove any weeds, dead plants, or other contaminants regularly.
Image of Azolla growing onshallow water pond
Harvesting
Azolla can be harvested every 2 days. Use a fine mesh or net to collect the Azolla, taking care not to disturb the new shoots. Only harvest about two-thirds of the pond surface to allow the remaining Azolla to continue growing.
How To Maintain Azolla Ponds
Nutrient Supplementation
Azolla needs a steady supply of nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace minerals. Every two weeks, add a small quantity of manure or nutrient solution to the pond to ensure healthy growth. Avoid excess nutrients, as they can cause algae blooms.
Controlling pH
Maintaining the correct pH is crucial for Azolla health. Check the pH weekly and adjust as needed using agricultural lime or vinegar if the pH is too acidic or basic.
Preventing Pests and Diseases
Azolla is generally resistant to pests but can occasionally suffer from aphid infestations. If pests become a problem, consider using organic pest control measures like neem oil or manually removing pests. Avoid pesticides, as they may harm Azolla’s nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Water Management
Keep the water level constant and replenish it during dry periods. Avoid water with high salinity or contamination, as this can inhibit Azolla growth.
Harvesting of Azolla
Image of Bev Quinco Arnado harvesting Azolla
Harvesting
Azolla can be harvested every few days (48 hours), depending on the growth rate. Use a net or sieve to remove it from the pond, and rinse it to remove mud or impurities if necessary.
Drying and Storing
For long-term storage or when used as animal feed, Azolla can be sun-dried and powdered. This powder has a longer shelf life and can be mixed with other feed ingredients for livestock.
Challenges Facing Azolla Farming
Image of Azolla affected by weeds
Water Dependency
Azolla requires consistent water levels, which can be challenging in arid or drought-prone areas. Farmers in dry regions may need to consider water-efficient methods or pond liners to conserve water.
Nutrient Imbalance
Azolla may exhibit slow growth or discoloration if nutrient levels are not maintained. Regular supplementation with organic fertilizers or micronutrients is necessary to keep it productive.
Sensitivity to Environmental Changes
Azolla is sensitive to fluctuations in pH, temperature, and water quality. Extreme weather conditions, polluted water sources, or unbalanced pH levels can affect its growth and productivity.
Limited Shelf Life
Fresh Azolla has a short shelf life, requiring immediate use or preservation. Drying or processing into Azolla powder requires extra effort and facilities.
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