Q. The mosquito fern or Azolla is used as a biofertiliser because it__:
Answer: Has association of nitrogen fixing bluegreen algae
Notes: Azolla, also known as mosquito fern, is used as a biofertilizer because it has a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. The cyanobacteria, Anabaena azollae, lives on the leaves of Azolla and can fix atmospheric nitrogen. This nitrogen-fixing ability increases the fertility of the soil and enhances crop yields. Azolla is a small aquatic fern that grows on the surface of water or moist soil. It is used as a biofertilizer for rice in Asia. Azolla can be grown as a green manure before transplanting rice or as an intercrop with the rice. Both practices are reported to increase the growth and yield of rice. Azolla is also used as animal feed, human food, medicine, and water purifier.

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