Friday, August 19, 2005
Agri dep't to distribute alternative fertilizers
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is planning to launch before yearend the commercial distribution of an alternative microbial-based fertilizer to farmers in Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region.
Zaldy Boloron, coordinator of the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani or GMA corn program in Region 12, said they expect the two mixing plants for Bio-N fertilizers in the region to begin its commercial production over the next few months.
He said the Bio-N plants in Banga, South Cotabato and in Pigcawayan, Cotabato province have already started to operate but their products are still undergoing evaluation for quality control.
Bio-N, a locally developed organic fertilizer for rice, corn and other major crops, is composed of microorganisms that can convert nitrogen from air into ammonia for the plants, a DA project briefer said.
It said that in processing Bio-N, the bacteria isolated from the roots of the "talahib" grass, can convert nitrogen in the air into a substance that can enhance root development and growth of plants.
"This fertilizer enhances shoot growth and root development and replaces about half of the nitrogen requirement of corn and even reduces corn ear-worm attack," it said.
Boloron said they are promoting the use of Bio-N among local corn farmers as it could cut down the expenses on inputs by at least one-half.
He said the use of Bio-N would specifically cut down the required application of the high-priced Urea. He said a kilo of Bio-N is equal to two 50-kilo bags of urea, which is enough to fertilize a hectare planted to corn.
"Urea is now sold at P980 in the markets, so a farmer who would use Bio-N will be saving almost a thousand pesos," Boloron cited. (Allen V. Estabillo)
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(August 15, 2005 issue)
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