Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

According to page 3 of my system thread, it is Azolla pinnata. I previously investigated my local Azolla to determine its lineage and credentials.

I grow a 'commercial' crop (I can just about see the rolling of certain eyes) of Chinese Water Chestnuts (Eleocharis dulcis) each year in large ponds that I have. I have learned that Azolla, whilst a valuable companion to rice in the paddies where it is grown, has a detrimental affect on the growth of Azolla. Unfortunately it is hard to keep Azolla out of the ponds, I presume because its spores are airborne.

I presume you mean detrimental effect on the water chestnuts?

Haha, yes, and it's a bit too late to edit it now. (Charlie - HELP!) I should have said that it supposedly has a detrimental effect (misspelled that one last time, too) on the growth of water chestnuts - this last crop with Azolla sneaking in was actually my best, ever.

Its all good PJ, we know what you meant.

My fish have never really eaten azolla... not any where near what they would compared to duckweed...

You were right, Stuart. This is what I started with.

Thank you PLJ. Sorry, I could not reply sooner.

Do you know the species?

Azolla pinnata.

Nanniode just visit your local rice farmer. Many of the flood irrigators in India employ the nitrogen producing capacity of Azolla as an understorey in the paddys.