Agrochemistry
Influences of azolla-derived biofertilizer and compost on soil chemical properties and rice growth in contaminated soil
A PLOS ONE study from Egypt tested Azolla-based green manure and compost in heavy-metal-contaminated soils and reported improvements in rice performance and key soil indicators.
The trial was conducted in 2021 at Tanta University (Egypt) using 13 treatments. Researchers evaluated Azolla pinnata as green manure and as compost under different nitrogen fertilizer levels for rice (Sakha 104), alongside soil chemistry outcomes.
Reported results included higher grain production, improved CEC, increased organic matter and available/total NPK, and prevention of pH rise. Total and available Zn and Cu declined to acceptable levels, while total Pb remained high.