Amazing Azolla HI-PROTEIN AQUA FERN MULTIPLIES 10X WEEKLY By Manny Piñol

Two weeks after I seeded the Azolla stocks I acquired from Azolla Pilipinas in Bulacan Province, the volume that I have in my farm is now ten-fold.

I started with just 10 kilos but actually lost about 8 kilos when I made the mistake of growing it in a pond which actually had mudfish and a few catfish.

The two kilos which I placed in an enclosed net multiplied fast and last week, my son, Imman, and my farm help, Verver, moved some of it to 10 more enclosed nets.

Yesterday, when I checked out the Azolla, the 10 new enclosed nets were full of vigoriously growing aquatic fern.

I have asked the farm helps to set up more enclosed nets so we could grow more Azolla.

For those who would like to know why I am very excited about Azolla, let me share with you what I got from this link:

https://www.milkwood.net/…/azolla-water-fern-as…/

“Azolla benefits:

– Hosts a symbiotic blue green algae Anabaena azolle, which is responsible for the fixation and assimilation of atmospheric nitrogen.

– Can double in size every several days under optimal nutrient and water temperate conditions

– Green manure plant for paddy agriculture for weed supression and fertility (used extensively in organic duck and rice systems)

– Nitrogen and mineral source for compost making

– 25-30% Protein, and low in lignin with makes it digestible to many animals, as well as nutritious

– Rich in essential amino acids, vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin B12 and Beta- Carotene), growth promoter intermediaries and minerals like calcium, phosphorous, potassium, ferrous, copper, magnesium etc.

– On a dry weight basis, it contains 25 – 35 percent protein, 10 – 15 percent minerals and 7 – 10 percent of amino acids, bio-active substances and bio-polymers.

– Palatable to: ducks, chickens, pigs, cows, goats, sheep and rabbits (and probably lots of others too)

– Can increase milk production in cows by 15-20%

– Azolla is a nutrient feeder and prevents Algal blooms in farm dams as a result, keeping water more usable for stock.”

I intend to use the Azolla mixed with rice bran and copra meal in growing Organic Tilapia and native pigs. I will even try it with my game fowls and my own native chicken breed, Manok Pinoy.

Those living near my farm in Kidapawan City could just come to the farm and get a handful of Azolla planting materials.

(Photos of the Azolla I have in my farm taken Sept. 2, 2017.)