Response of Azolla Caroliniana and Rice to Phosphorus Enrichment of the Azolla Inoculum and Phosphorus Fertilization During Intercropping

Abstract

SummaryThe effects of phosphorus enrichment of Azolla inoculum and phosphorus fertilization during intercropping on the growth, nitrogen fixation and phosphorus content of Azolla caroliniana and the grain yield, straw yield and nitrogen uptake of rice were studied for four consecutive seasons. The phosphorus-enriched Azolla maintained a higher plant phosphorus content and produced a greater biomass and nitrogen yield than the unenriched Azolla. Application of phosphorus during intercropping significantly increased the dry weight, nitrogen yield and phosphorus content of both unenriched and phosphorus-enriched Azolla. The differences between the enriched and unenriched Azolla declined as increasing levels of phosphorus were applied during intercropping. The grain and straw yields and nitrogen uptake of rice were increased both by phosphorus-enrichment of Azolla inoculum and by phosphorus fertilization during intercropping.La gestión de fósforos para la siembra simultánea del Azolla y el arroz