Observations on nitrogen fixation and organic matter produced by Anabaena circinalis Rabh. and their significance in rice culture

Abstract

An account of the nitrogen-fixing capacity, extra-cellular N liberated and total organic matter produced by the blue-green alga Anabaena circinalis Rabh. is given. Studies indicate that N fixed as well as organic matter produced are more under conditions as near to nature as possible. It is suggested that the blue-green algae could be best exploited for enrichment of the soil by conditioning the soil for the manifestation of the indigenous flora and/or for known introduced forms. Owing to the action of these algae in the building up of the fertility of the soil, the possibility of an economic schedule of growing crops in succession is indicated leading to beneficial results.