Optimization of Azolla pinnata Production and Its Role in Enhancing Agricultural Productivity | ||
| New Valley Journal of Agricultural Science | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 16 November 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Research | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/nvjas.2025.412896.1334 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Ahmed Abdelhafez* 1; Mohammed Shabaan2; Samira Mahrous3 | ||
| 1New Valley University | ||
| 2Department of Soils and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, New Valley University | ||
| 3Department of Environmental Researches, Soils, Water and Environment Research Institute (SWERI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC)- Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This study examines the enhancement of Azolla pinnata production and its potential to increase agricultural yields. Azolla pinnata was cultivated in concrete basins utilizing three distinct growth media-compost, clay, and biochar-under two luminosity conditions (full sunlight and 50% shade). The findings revealed that compost in full sunlight yielded the maximum biomass (1.01 kg per 0.16 m² every 7–10 days) and nutrient concentrations (N: 2.4%, P: 1.1%, K: 4.4%), surpassing all other treatments. Extracts from both cold and hot water of A. pinnata were administered at various concentrations to maize seeds and seedlings during germination and pot experiments. These extracts markedly enhanced germination rates (up to 100%), root and shoot development, and chlorophyll levels, particularly at concentrations of 1% or higher. The combined application of spent A. pinnata (10%) with foliar A. pinnata extract achieved the most favorable maize growth metrics (plant height: 60.5 cm; root length: 37.5 cm) and nutrient absorption (shoot N: 1.96%, P: 0.17%, K: 2.34%). Indicators of soil fertility, such as organic matter, as well as available N, P, and K, demonstrated significant improvements compared to control and mineral fertilizer treatments. These results substantiate the notion that optimizing A. pinnata cultivation—specifically through the use of compost in full sunlight—and integrating its biomass and extracts into agricultural systems can diminish dependence on synthetic fertilizers, enhance soil health, and elevate crop performance, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Azolla; Extract, Biofertilization; Maize; Soil Fertility | ||
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