Ecophysiology and potential effects of blue-green algae in biological nitrogen fixation

摘要

The cyanobacteria or blue-green algae (BGA) are an ancient and ubiquitous family of organisms, many with photosynthetic abilities. They are one of the main components of the microbiota in rice paddy fields and significantly contribute to its fertilization. Research has been conducted around the world to evaluate the potential of different biological nitrogen fixation systems to supply N to rice crops. As part of an integrated pest management project, blue-green algae are studied to determine the role they play in the food web of rice-field ecosystems. This paper reviews salient findings of these works and all current information available. This review indicates that the aquatic biota cyanobacteria can supplement the N requirements of plants. An attempt has been made in this review to highlight these effects of BGA in rice fields and discusses their possible implications relating to management and productivity of rice-field systems.