Advancements in the Utilization of Azolla-Anabaena System in Relation to Sustainable Agricultural Practices

The nitrogen fixing aquatic pteridophyte Azolla has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen at cheaper and faster rates due to the presence of a symbiotic cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae. Because of this property it has been exploited widely as biofertilizer for rice plants. In addition to this it has several other uses such as food, feed, biogas producer and hyperaccumulator of heavy metals etc. Because of the multifaceted uses the promotion and use of Azolla-Anabaena system would be ideal and environment friendly in sustainable agriculture. This article provides a brief account of the importance as well as developments in the utilization of Azolla-Anabaena system in agriculture and allied sectors.