Author Topic: Azolla as Fertilizer  (Read 672 times)

Pokeweed

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 345
    • Houston TX
    • View Profile
Azolla as Fertilizer
« on: May 09, 2023, 08:31:21 AM »
Are any of you using this as fertilizer? It makes a lot of biomass.
https://theazollafoundation.org/azollas-uses/as-a-biofertilizer/

shot

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 967
    • usa fl bokeelia 10
    • View Profile
Re: Azolla as Fertilizer
« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2023, 09:35:53 AM »
I don't think I would want that, might get into our pond ect. ?

Epicatt2

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 881
  • Fruit forest in progress . . .
    • Tampa, FL / Zone 9b
    • View Profile
Re: Azolla as Fertilizer
« Reply #2 on: May 09, 2023, 01:54:41 PM »
I don't think I would want that, might get into our pond ect. ?

My feeling exactly! 

Azolla is considered an invasive. 

I'd suggest finding something else to use instead.

Paul M.
==

pagnr

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 941
    • View Profile
Re: Azolla as Fertilizer
« Reply #3 on: May 09, 2023, 05:31:30 PM »
It seems like a good technology.
N fertilisers like Urea are in shorter supply since the war in Ukraine, another factors like international shipping since covid.
This probably isn't going to change in the long term, it may relax, but demand on Gas and N fertilisers will only increase.
The invasive species tag is a consideration, but weeds are often a response to disrupted or modified environmental conditions.
Waterways are often subject to nutrient runoff pollution and changed flow conditions, weeds can be a symptom of the problems, not the real cause.
It should be possible to grow Azolla away from waterways, and also exclude wild birds that may move it to other waterways.

Azolla is a native plant to Australia.
I didn't know it was edible, and consumed by Aborigines of Australia.
https://fairdinkumseeds.com/products-page/aquatic-swamp-and-moisture-lovers/water-fern-azolla-pinnata-culture/

Pokeweed

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 345
    • Houston TX
    • View Profile
Re: Azolla as Fertilizer
« Reply #4 on: May 10, 2023, 07:29:42 AM »
Exactly. I'm trying to be as self sufficient as possible. My place is fairly high, no creeks or other flowing water. I'm thinking put it in a small pond in my orchard so it's close to the trees.

pagnr

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 941
    • View Profile
Re: Azolla as Fertilizer
« Reply #5 on: June 27, 2023, 06:36:50 PM »
Duckweed is being researched as a food source for Space stations and Space colonisation.

https://youtu.be/Nr4y5a5bUSc
https://phys.org/news/2019-08-duckweed-world.html
Don't think this is Azolla, but still relevant.
Azolla is also being researched as a food source ( back on Earth ).
« Last Edit: June 27, 2023, 06:52:42 PM by pagnr »

Galatians522

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1825
    • Florida 9b
    • View Profile
Re: Azolla as Fertilizer
« Reply #6 on: June 27, 2023, 09:49:50 PM »
Duckweed is being researched as a food source for Space stations and Space colonisation.

https://youtu.be/Nr4y5a5bUSc
https://phys.org/news/2019-08-duckweed-world.html
Don't think this is Azolla, but still relevant.
Azolla is also being researched as a food source ( back on Earth ).

Not so sure about using duckweed for good, but it makes a nice compost.

pagnr

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 941
    • View Profile
Re: Azolla as Fertilizer
« Reply #7 on: June 28, 2023, 08:07:48 AM »
Not so sure about using duckweed for food, but it makes a nice compost.

Sounds like you are using it for food, just a few steps removed.

Better than what "Soylent Green" turned out to be.

Greater Good

  • Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 242
    • Coral Gables, Florida Zone 11A
    • View Profile
Re: Azolla as Fertilizer
« Reply #8 on: June 28, 2023, 12:32:39 PM »
Are any of you using this as fertilizer? It makes a lot of biomass.
https://theazollafoundation.org/azollas-uses/as-a-biofertilizer/

I don't think so Tim.

~ Wilson

Galatians522

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1825
    • Florida 9b
    • View Profile
Re: Azolla as Fertilizer
« Reply #9 on: June 29, 2023, 11:00:55 PM »
Not so sure about using duckweed for food, but it makes a nice compost.

Sounds like you are using it for food, just a few steps removed.

Better than what "Soylent Green" turned out to be.

Very true. I noticed a new product on the supermarket shelves by that name--I have not purchased any. Poor marketing in my opinion.

MadFarm

  • Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 135
    • Royal Palm Beach, FL 10b
    • View Profile
Re: Azolla as Fertilizer
« Reply #10 on: July 04, 2023, 12:21:40 AM »
I've used azolla, duckweed, water hyacinth, and water cabbage from my pond in a chop and drop method around my trees. The azolla is great as it retains some moisture and decomposes rather quickly. I especially like piling it around the base of fruit trees in winter like a mulch. I've heard it's full of micronutrients.