Effects of Azolla Incorporation Timing on Growth and Yield Performance of Spring Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v13is1.2420-2428.7990

Keywords:

Azolla, Bio-fertilizer, Incorporation, Inoculation, Nitrogen, Spring rice

Abstract

Spring rice in Nepal often faces nitrogen shortages during peak crop demand, limiting yield potential. Azolla, a nitrogen-fixing aquatic fern, offers an eco-friendly alternative, but its effectiveness depends on inoculation and incorporation timing. A field experiment was conducted in Sapahi, Bara, Nepal (March–June, 2023) using a Randomized Complete Block Design with seven treatments and three replications. Plots measured 2 × 3 m (6 m²). Treatments comprised Azolla inoculated at 25, 35, 45, 55, and 65 days after transplanting (DAT) with recommended P & K, a recommended NPK dose (RDF), and a control. Data on growth, yield, and yield components were recorded and analyzed using ANOVA in RStudio. Treatment means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% significance level. RDF recorded the highest grain yield (4.25 t/ha) and effective tillers (302.67 m-2), significantly higher than all other treatments (p < 0.001; LSD = 0.050). The best Azolla treatment, 25 DAT + P & K (4.02 t/ha), outperformed later Azolla applications and the control (1.87 t/ha). T1 also achieved more effective tillers (259.67m-²), longer panicles (23.72 cm), and lower sterility (25.44%) than other Azolla timings (p < 0.001). Azolla application at 25 DAT with P & K improves yield and reduces reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, making it a sustainable option for spring rice production in Nepal.

Author Biography

Pawan Kumar Sah, Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), College of Natural Resource Management (CNRM), Bardibas, Mahottari

Hello! I am Pawan Kumar Sah, an enthusiastic agricultural researcher and student who is fascinated by the vast and intricate world of farming and food production. My life’s work has been to learn about the complexities of agricultural science and technology, its implementation, execution, and recommendations, as well as how to execute and interpret the outcomes in real-world agricultural transformation for sustainable food production.
I am currently running my bachelor's degree in the final semester of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the Constituent College of Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), CNRM, Bardibas, Mahottari, Nepal.
I've worked as an agriculture technician on the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP), Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Rice pocket area in Saptari and Citrus Zone of Okhaldhunga and Solukhumbu district, Nepal. Also have Work Experience Program (WEP) and supported the Regional Agriculture Research Station (RARS) under the Directorate of Agriculture Research Development under Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) at Lumle Kaski.
I have also held leadership positions where I honed my collaboration and effective communication skills. One such role was Vice-President of Communication for the International Association of Agriculture Students (IAAS) Nepal LC Bardibas. Secretary of Group of Agriculture and Veterinary Students (GAVS) Bardibas, Climate Change Advocate Group (CCAG) lead person in Nepal Peacebuilding Initiative (NPI) Mahottari, Key person in 3ZERO Club under JBLBSL Hanumanchowk Mahottari branch, and Agriculture Instructor at Agroforestry Resource Centre (AFRC) Thulung Dudhkoshi RM. Deusa-08 Solukhumbu.
I have dedicated myself to my academic endeavors with an open mind and a desire to comprehend both the traditional knowledge that has been passed down through the generations and the most recent developments influencing contemporary agriculture. For example, "exploring the landraces of Barley under heat and saline stress conditions in Bardibas Mahottar.i","Climate Change Perception and Adaptation strategies followed by Mandarin Growers Farmers in Solukhumbu District, Nepal", shifting climate, "crop rotation practices enhancing the soil health" and numerous other precision agricultural farming techniques. Here is my peer-reviewed article name: "Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) Emissions from Agricultural Soil: A Review", "Effect of Azolla Inoculation and Different Timing of Incorporation Enhancing the Spring Rice Yield", and other further research work on the way. THANK YOU

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Published

25.09.2025

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Vol. 13 No. s1 (2025): Crop Production Special Issue

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Research Paper

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