Title: Azolla, a useful source of nitrogen for farmers (Azolla filiculoides) in the integrated production of juveniles of Oreochromis niloticus and rice (Oryza sativa, variety Wita 9) in Bonoufla, Central West of Côte d’Ivoire
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Azolla filiculoides on the growth parameters of rice Wita 9 and zootechnics tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in a rice-fish culture. Fingerlings (6.11 ± 0.19 g; 12 fingerlings/m²) were placed in the ponds transplanted with 14-day-old rice seedlings. These seedlings were transplanted two by two in clusters with a spacing of 20 cm between them and 25 cm between rows. Two treatments of fresh A. filiculoides and rice bran were applied in these ponds to compare the changes in fish zootechnical and rice agronomic parameters with a control after 3 months of production.
The data collected showed that the best rice seedling growth and fish performance were obtained with the addition of A. filiculoides. Yields were also higher with the same treatment (8.97 ± 0.08 T/ha for rice and 166.13 ± 26.94 Kg/ha for tilapia) compared to the control and rice bran treatments. The use of Azolla fern could thus constitute an alternative of choice in front of the costs of the conventional inputs used in fish farming and rice farming in Côte d'Ivoire.
Keywords : Azolla filiculoides, Oreochromis niloticus, Oryza sativa, Yield, Rice-fish culture.
