The ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR), Kozhikode, has developed three innovative microbial formulations – Bactolime, Bactogypsum, and Trichogypsum – aimed at improving soil health and agricultural productivity.
About the novel microbial formulations:
- These formulations, namely Bactolime, Bactogypsum, and Trichogypsum, are developed to address soil pH imbalances and deliver beneficial microorganisms efficiently.
Bactolime:
- Bactolime, the first formulation, combines liming material with beneficial bacteria for promoting plant growth known as Rhizobacteria in a single product.
- The beneficial bacteria, being a potential tool for sustainable agriculture, not only ensure the availability of essential nutrients to plants but also help in enhancing nutrient use efficiency.
- ‘Bactolime’ integrates liming material and beneficial bacteria to serve the dual function of ameliorating low soil pH and delivering plant beneficial bacteria through a single product.
Bactogypsum and Trichogypsum: Soil pH Management
- The other two formulations, Bactogypsum and Trichogypsum, are gypsum-based.
- Trichogypsum ensures the delivery of Trichoderma, which is a fungal biocontrol agent.
- Bactogypsum ensures the simultaneous delivery of plant-beneficial bacteria.
- Both work by buffering the soil pH to a near-neutral level, creating an optimal environment for the establishment of microbes.
- This improves soil physical condition, increases the availability of secondary nutrients, and enhances overall microbial activity.
Gypsum:
- Gypsum is a soft, non-metallic mineral widely used in various applications such as plaster, drywall, and chalk production.
- It also serves as a fertilizer, supplying crops with calcium and sulfur.
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