Abstract
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) hold potentially valuable cost-reducing and ecologically sustainable advantages when incorporated into farming systems such as rice. The impact of the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis as a key component of a fertilizer regimen on the yield of Oryza sativa was assessed through greenhouse and field trials. The cyanobacterium was used in solitary application and in combined application with chemical fertilizer at the recommended dosage (80kgN.ha-1) as well as at the reduced dosage (40kgN.ha-1). The results of greenhouse and field experiments indicated that biofertilizer use led to the enhancement of yield-related parameters such as grain yield and 100-grain weight in addition to grain carbohydrate and protein levels over the respective controls, while reducing the required amount of chemical nitrogen fertilizer by as much as 40kgN.ha-1.
