ALGAL FERTILIZER

Algal Fertilizers (BGA + Azolla) - Blue green algae (BGA) and Azolla constitute a system,
which is the main source of algal biofertilizer in south and Southeast Asia, particularly for
lowland paddy. BGA inoculation (without Awl/a) with composite cultures of algal genera
Anabaena, Nostoc, Plectonema, Aulosira, Oscillatoria, Tolypothrix, etc. have been found to be
more effective than single cultures.

Production and multiplication of BGA cultures is done at centres. Application of dried blue
green algae flakes at the rate of 10 kg. /ha is recommended ten days after transplantation of rice.

Besides being a source of N2, BGA provides for the following other advantages:
(i) algal biomass accumulates as organic matter;
(ii) growth. promoting substances arc produced, which stimulate growth of rice seedling;
(iii) it provides partial tolerance to pesticides and fungicides;
(iv) it also helps in reclamation of saline and alkaline soils.
BGA is also supplied with Azolla (an aquatic fern), which harbours Anabaena azolle (a BGA) in
leaf cavities, providing symbiotic association.

Azolla with Anabaena has been used with some success, but there are following limitations:
(i) Azolla, as a green manuring crop is labour intensive;
(ii) raising of Azolla needs assured and adequate supply of water;
(iii) damage of Azolla (in the nursery) is caused by pest diseases, heat, etc.
(iv) optimum temperature is required for Azolla multiplication.
Phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB, e.g. Thiobacillus, Bacillus spp., etc.) and plant growth
promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), including Pseudomonas fluorescens and P. putida are important
new biofertilizers. PSBs convert non-available inorganic phosphates into soluble organic
phosphates, which can be utilized by crop plants.
PGPRs produce siderophores (iron chelating substances, e.g. pseudobactin), which chelate with
iron and' make it unavailable to harmful fungi (e.g. Eriwinia) in rhizosphere, leading to their
death; PGPRs have resulted in an increase in yields of potato (30%), radish (60-144%) and
sugarbeet (4-8t/ha). These biofertilizers are yet to be commercially utilized in our country.

Advantage of BGA& Azolla:

            1. Cheap source of nutrients.
            2. Suppliers of micronutrients.
            3. Suppier of organic matter.
            4. Counteracting the negative impact of chemical fertilizers.
            5. Secretion of growth hormones.
 Blue Green Algae Biofertilizer

1. Product and its applications

Blue Green Algae (BGA) find a favourable abode in the waterlogged conditions of rice fields.
These cyanobacteria provide inexpensive nitrogen to plants besides increasing crop yield by
making the soil fertile and productive. BGA biofertilizer in rice popularly known as
‘Algalization' helps in creating an environment – friendly agroecosystem that ensures economic
viability in paddy cultivation while saving energy intensive inputs. Under favourable conditions,
BGA have been found to contribute up to 25- 30 kg N per hectare per season and increase the
crop yield by 10-15%. These have also been recognized as important agents in the stabilization
of soil, add organic matter, release growth promoting substances, improve soil physico-chemical
properties and solubilize the insoluble phosphates. The technology can be easily adopted by
farmers for multiplication at their own level.

The improved production technology developed by Indian scientists includes a) indoor

production of algal biomass under near pure state and in semi-controlled conditions b) a suitable
and inexpensive growth medium for faster growth of the organisms and c) mixing with a suitable
carrier material in desired quantities

2.0 Advantages of BGA

On an average, BGA contribute 20-30 kg N / ha / season which means that chemical nitrogen
fertilizer to that extent could be saved through these organisms. Application of BGA biofertilizer
leads to increased productivity of rice by 10-15%. BGA improve soil health and maintain a
continuous supply of crop nutrients. It improves water holding capacity of soil and increases soil
aggregation. BGA leads to population build up and enhances the microbial activity. Algalization
induces early grain setting and maturity. It checks weeds proliferation by blocking nutrient
supply and light. It is economical and easily adaptable by small and marginal farmers. BGA
biofertilizer is eco-friendly and non-polluting to the environment.

3.0 Basis and Presumptions

a) The unit proposes to work at least 300 days per annum on single shift basis.

b) The unit can achieve its full capacity utilization during the 2nd year of operation.

c) The wages for skilled workers are taken as per prevailing rates in this type of industry.

d) Interest rate for total capital investment is calculated @ 12% per annum.

e) The entrepreneur is expected to raise 20-25% of the capital as margin money.

f) The yields depend on proper implementation of package of practices.

g) Economics of cultivation greatly improves on scale of operation.

h) This activity provides tax-free high returns. Additionally a number of government support
schemes are  available. Latest provisions need to be checked up

Implementation schedule

Project implementation will take a period of 8 months. Break-up of the activities and relative
time for each activity is shown below:

Scheme preparation and approval 01 month

SSI provisional registration 1-2 months
Sanction of financial supports etc 2-5 months
Installation of machinery and power connection 6-8 months
Trial run and production 05 months

5.0 TECHNICAL ASPECTS

5.1 Location  

Indoor production can be undertaken in polyhouse or glass house. The dimensions and number
of such production units are variable depending on the turnover. The production unit should be
located (North- South) in an open area away from shade so as to receive maximum sunlight
during the day throughout the year.

5.2 Salient Features of Process / Technology

The BGA multiplication units can be made of RCC, brick and mortar or polythene lined pits..
The life of polythene lined shallow pit on ground is about 6 months, whereas other structures are
permanent. The smallest recommended size of pits of RCC or brick and mortar is 1.7m x 0.9m x
0.3m (l x b x d). The dimensions of length and breadth may vary so as to utilize the maximum
available space with operational management and convenience. The multiplication units are
filled with suitable medium to provide essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus and
magnesium in an economical manner. The pH should be near neutral.

Each pit is inoculated with actively growing culture (12 – 15 days old) equivalent to 20 - 25 g
fresh biomass per unit. BGA is allowed to grow for 5-8 days depending upon the ambient
temperature, light intensity and humidity till enough biomass is produced so as to cover the
surface of medium. The algal culture is agitated manually 2-3 times a day during its
multiplication. Once fully grown, the culture is harvested, mixed with carrier (presoaked clay or
Multani mitti) and sun dried. The sun dried material is finely ground to 200 mesh and packed in
500 g capacity polythene bags and sealed, Store at a cool dry place in the room and do not mix
with any chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Method of Application : One packet (500 g) of ready to use multani mitti based BGA
biofertilizer is recommended for one acre of rice growing area. The packet is opened and mixed
with 4 kg dried and sieved farm soil. The mixture is broadcast on standing water 3-6 days after
transplantation. Use of excess algal material is not harmful; instead it accelerates the
multiplication and establishment in the field. The field should be kept waterlogged for about 10-
12 days after inoculation to allow good growth of BGA.

If the farmer is using self produced soil based BGA biofertilizer, 12-15 kg/ha is used by
broadcasting the mixture on standing water 3-6 days after transplantation. Similarly, the field
should be kept waterlogged for 10-12 days after inoculation to allow good growth of BGA.
When nitrogenous fertilizers are used, reduce the dose by one-third and supplement with BGA.
Normal pest control measures and other management practices do not interfere with the
establishment and activity of BGA in the field. Apply BGA for at least four consecutive seasons
to have cumulative effect. One may not need to apply BGA further as these will establish in the
field and reappear as and when the condition becomes favourable.

Precautions: When fertilizer or pesticides (e.g. weedicides.) are applied in the field; the algal
application should be followed after a gap of 3-4 days. Application of a small dose of phosphate
fertilizer after BGA inoculation accelerates BGA multiplication. However, this quantity should
be considered in the total application dose for rice corp.

Tips: Growth of BGA can be periodically examined using a micro-scope. The iodine test can
also be used to differentiate between green and blue-green algae. The green algae turn dark violet
or black with iodine. Alkaline conditions with pH around 8.0 prevent contamination with green
algae to an appreciable extent. For commercial purpose, the tank dimensions can be increased or
decreased to make maximum use of the space available. Provide enough space between the tanks
for operational convenience. Production units should be constructed in such a way to have
maximum light and allow more surface area for algal growth. Addition of superphosphate should
be split into two or three doses. Under ideal conditions, the algal biomass production reaches 100
g/m 2 /day. Since the wet algal biomass contains more than 90 per cent water and it is mixed
with equal amount of clay.