Azolla for Dairy animal - Method and right approach
Under RKVY project demonstration camp were organized in District Sirmour by Department of Animal Husbandry.
The progressive farmer were chosen and preference given to farmers who have poly houses as the structure need to avoid direct sunlight
The project was successful even at high hills as well plains and due to this various other farmers also started Azola Farming
Precautions need to taken are
1. A shady place, preferably under a tree, with sufficient sunlight should be chosen for the Azolla production unit. A place of direct sunlight should be avoided.
2. All corners of the pit should be of the same level so that the water level can be maintained uniformly.
3. Azolla biomass @ 300 gms – 350 gms /sq.meter should be removed daily to avoid over crowding and for keeping the fern at rapid multiplication phase.
4. Suitable nutrients should be supplied, as and when, nutrient deficiency is noticed.
5. Plant protection measures against pests and diseases should be taken as and when required,
6. About 5 kg bed soil should be replaced with fresh soil , once in 30 days, to avoid nitrogen build up and prevent micro-nutrient deficiency.
7. 25 to 30% water also needs to be replaced with fresh water, once in 10 days, to prevent nitrogen build up in the bed.
8. Replacement of water and soil should be followed by fresh inoculation of Azolla, at least once in six months.
9. A fresh bed has to be prepared and inoculated with pure culture of Azolla, when contaminated by pest and diseases.
Conclusion
Azolla can be used as an ideal feed substitute for cattle, fish, pig and poultry, apart from its utility as a biofertilizer for wetland paddy. It is popular and cultivated widely in other countries like China, Vietnam, and Philippines etc., and is yet to be taken up in India, in a big way. The production technology has to be standardized to the diverse and different agro-climatic zones of the country, to enable its wider spread.
With the success of these demonstration camps we believe more and more farmers will be benefitted and will start Azolla Farming.
The progressive farmer were chosen and preference given to farmers who have poly houses as the structure need to avoid direct sunlight
The project was successful even at high hills as well plains and due to this various other farmers also started Azola Farming
Day 1. Pit Preparation (10 cm deep is enough)
Precautions need to taken are
1. A shady place, preferably under a tree, with sufficient sunlight should be chosen for the Azolla production unit. A place of direct sunlight should be avoided.
2. All corners of the pit should be of the same level so that the water level can be maintained uniformly.
Day 2. Filled with water, Dung slurry and Super Phosphate
3. Azolla biomass @ 300 gms – 350 gms /sq.meter should be removed daily to avoid over crowding and for keeping the fern at rapid multiplication phase.
4. Suitable nutrients should be supplied, as and when, nutrient deficiency is noticed.
5. Plant protection measures against pests and diseases should be taken as and when required,
6. About 5 kg bed soil should be replaced with fresh soil , once in 30 days, to avoid nitrogen build up and prevent micro-nutrient deficiency.
7. 25 to 30% water also needs to be replaced with fresh water, once in 10 days, to prevent nitrogen build up in the bed.
8. Replacement of water and soil should be followed by fresh inoculation of Azolla, at least once in six months.
Day 20 Azolla started Growth and Covered almost every part
9. A fresh bed has to be prepared and inoculated with pure culture of Azolla, when contaminated by pest and diseases.
Conclusion
Azolla can be used as an ideal feed substitute for cattle, fish, pig and poultry, apart from its utility as a biofertilizer for wetland paddy. It is popular and cultivated widely in other countries like China, Vietnam, and Philippines etc., and is yet to be taken up in India, in a big way. The production technology has to be standardized to the diverse and different agro-climatic zones of the country, to enable its wider spread.
Day 30 Azolla Ready and started for feeding animal (500 gm/day)
With the success of these demonstration camps we believe more and more farmers will be benefitted and will start Azolla Farming.
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