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Biological N2-fixation and its management in wetland rice cultivation

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Abstract

The review summarizes the current status of the utilization of N2-fixing organisms as biofertilizer in rice cultivation. Heterotrophic bacteria, free-living cyanobacteria,Azolla, and legume green manures are considered with regard to their potential for increasing yield, their current use and the prospects for their use with regard to the identified limiting factors.

Biological N2 fixation has been the most effective system for sustaining production in low-input traditional rice cultivation. On the other hand, the utilisation of N2-fixing organisms in intensified rice production encounters serious limitations. The utilization of free-living bacteria and cyanobacteria is refrained by their modest potential and the non establishment of inoculated strains.Azolla and legumes used as green manures have a high potential as N source, but their utilization is severely limited by socio-economic factors.

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  1. Laboratoire de Microbiologie Orstom, Université de Provence, Case 87, 3, Place Victor Hugo, F-13331, Marseille Cedex 3, France

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Roger, P.A. Biological N2-fixation and its management in wetland rice cultivation. Fertilizer Research 42, 261–276 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00750520

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