Water Fern- Azolla: A Review

Abstract

The Azolla-Anabaena symbiosis is distinguished by its high productivity and ability to fix nitrogen at high rates. As a result, numerous studies on this association have been conducted over the last few decades, with insufficient synthesis and coordination. As a result, this paper attempts to review and summarise previous and recent findings on the biology and applications of azolla in the hope of facilitating increased future collaborative research on this green gold mine. Azolla is a plant in the Azolla genus. Azolla derived from water can be used as human food, animal feed, green manure, organic fertiliser and to increase soil fertility, as well as for biological wastewater remediation and salt soil reclamation. Because of its high nutritional quality and protein content, azolla is suitable for human consumption as well as as a feed additive for a variety of animals such as fish, ducks, cattle, poultry and others to reduce feed costs. It is also used in the production of biogas and hydrogen, as well as as astronaut food in space. This review provides an overview of Azolla’s benefits as well as new developments in its various fields of application.