Seyam, H. M. M. And Amal. E. Hanna( 2012). Azolla As Nitrogen Source In Wheat Production Under Saline SoilJ. Biol.Chem.Environ.Sci.,(2012) 7 (1): 129- 138
Abstract: Two field experiments were conducted during both growing winter seasons at Sahle
AL-Hosania South Research Station Farm, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, to evaluate the efficiency of Azolla Pinnata used either in fresh or dry form alone and/or different levels of urea-N on the soil properties, both productivity and yield components of wheat variety sides as well as soil total bacteria count and both count of Azotobacter and Azospirllum as well as CO2 evolution at different incubation periods from wheat sowing. Azolla and urea were mixed together in purpose to accomplish the full nitrogen dose (75Kg/Fed-1) required for wheat production. Results revealed that the use of Azolla in both forms led to decrease both soil pH and EC, while increase the soil organic matter compared to the control treatment, this effect was more pronounced in all treatments received fresh Azolla. Soil water holding capacity showed an increase compared to control treatment due to dry Azolla application rather than the use of fresh Azolla. Data also show that no significant effect due the use of both dry and fresh Azolla each alone or combined in different levels of urea-N on wheat plant height, number of panicles plant and straw weight. However, the use of fresh Azolla achieved slightly higher values for these parameters than those recorded by the use of dry Azolla and/or the control treatment. Both 1000-grain and grain yield plants as well as total N in both grains and straw had responded positively to Azolla application especially in the fresh form. Also, the fresh Azolla application led to increase the soil total count of Azotobacter, Azospirilla as well as the amount of CO2 evolution rather than any dry Azolla and/or urea. In conclusion, the use of Azolla as bio-fertilizer nitrogen source substitutes partially and/or entirely the mineral nitrogen fertilizer in wheat production is became a promise, since it supply soil with nitrogen, organic matter, increases its fertility and help in avoiding environmental pollution due to the extensive use of the costly hazard mineral nitrogen.
Keywords: (Azolla, urea, wheat, saline soil)
