물개구리밥(Azolla)이 논 잡초 발생, 질소공급 및 쌀 수량에 미치는 영향

Azolla is a genus of small aquatic ferns native to Asia, Africa, and America. Azolla is potentially significant as a nitrogen source in agriculture, particularly in conjunction with rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation. In addition, Azolla may either control weeds or act as a weed depending on management; therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of Azolla incorporation on weed (e.g., Monochoria vaginalis, Rotala indica, Aeschynomene indica, and Cyperus amuricus) control and its other benefits during rice cultivation. The effects of Azolla on weed emergence were evaluated based on plot area coverage by the Azolla mat, which appears as a green sheet over water, and the rate of weed emergence in paddy field. Weed occurrence was investigated 40 days after Azolla inoculation. Soil samples from the experimental plots were collected following harvest in 2014-2015, and analyzed. Moreover, rice growth, yield, and grain quality were measured. Azolla suppressed weed growth by 72%. Azolla mat incorporation in rice fields suppressed weed growth by over 60%. In addition, Azolla promoted nitrogen fixation. Compared with nitrogen management using chemical fertilizers, Azolla incorporation showed the potential for various positive effects, including the improvement of soil fertility by increasing total nitrogen, and organic matter content. Rice grown with Azolla maintained its yield without additional herbicide treatment. Moreover, the palatability of cooked rice was better when grown with Azolla.