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Soil-borne DISEASES are managed by improving organic matter and biological activity. Cultural, biological, and physical methods such as rotation, SANITATION, PRUNING, and selection of disease resistant varieties are all part of organic disease management. Some natural substances, such as clays, and a few SYNTHETIC fungicides such as copper sulfate are permitted by the USDA National Organic Program Standards when used in conjunction with the farm plan and used according to the restrictions found on the National LIST.

Soil-borne diseases are managed by improving organic matter and biological activity. Cultural, biological, and physical methods such as rotation, sanitation, pruning, and selection of disease resistant varieties are all part of organic disease management. Some natural substances, such as clays, and a few synthetic fungicides such as copper sulfate are permitted by the USDA National Organic Program Standards when used in conjunction with the farm plan and used according to the restrictions found on the National List.

Weed management on organic farms consists of CULTURAL and mechanical techniques such as the rotation of crops that suppress weeds, MULCHING, tillage, cultivation, WATER management, and manual weeding. Weeds often HELP to conserve soil, improve organic matter, and provide beneficial habitat for natural enemies on organic farms. Plastic mulches are permitted provide they are removed at the end of the season. Insects and diseases can help to keep certain weed POPULATIONS in check. There are a few natural substances that are also used to manage weeds, but the efficacy of these substances is still subject to question.

Weed management on organic farms consists of cultural and mechanical techniques such as the rotation of crops that suppress weeds, mulching, tillage, cultivation, water management, and manual weeding. Weeds often help to conserve soil, improve organic matter, and provide beneficial habitat for natural enemies on organic farms. Plastic mulches are permitted provide they are removed at the end of the season. Insects and diseases can help to keep certain weed populations in check. There are a few natural substances that are also used to manage weeds, but the efficacy of these substances is still subject to question.

Organic farm systems PROTECT CROP DAMAGE by insect pests primarily through the use of biological and cultural PRACTICES such as crop rotation; diversification; habitat management; beneficial organism releases; sanitation; and timing. Some natural substances, such as botanicals, and a few relatively non-toxic synthetic pesticides such as soap are permitted by the USDA National Organic Program Standards when used in conjunction with the farm plan and used according to the restrictions found on the National List.

Organic farm systems protect crop damage by insect pests primarily through the use of biological and cultural practices such as crop rotation; diversification; habitat management; beneficial organism releases; sanitation; and timing. Some natural substances, such as botanicals, and a few relatively non-toxic synthetic pesticides such as soap are permitted by the USDA National Organic Program Standards when used in conjunction with the farm plan and used according to the restrictions found on the National List.

YES. RAW MANURE and other animal and plant material must be handled in a way that prevents water, soil and crop contamination. In order to be applied without a days-to-harvest restriction, manure must be properly COMPOSTED. Crops for human consumption that have the edible portion in contact with the soil – including leafy greens – must be harvested at least 120 days after the application of uncomposted manure. Other crops for human consumption must be harvested at least 90 days following the application of raw manure.

Yes. Raw manure and other animal and plant material must be handled in a way that prevents water, soil and crop contamination. In order to be applied without a days-to-harvest restriction, manure must be properly composted. Crops for human consumption that have the edible portion in contact with the soil – including leafy greens – must be harvested at least 120 days after the application of uncomposted manure. Other crops for human consumption must be harvested at least 90 days following the application of raw manure.

Organic farmers manage crop nutrients through a crop rotation that includes cover CROPS and the application of plant and animal organic matter, generally in the form of COMPOST. Appropriate tillage and CULTIVATION practices improve soil structure, organic matter content and soil microbial life. Mined minerals and a few allowed synthetic SUBSTANCES are permitted as SUPPLEMENTAL sources of nutrients, provided that soil, crop, and water contamination are avoided.

Organic farmers manage crop nutrients through a crop rotation that includes cover crops and the application of plant and animal organic matter, generally in the form of compost. Appropriate tillage and cultivation practices improve soil structure, organic matter content and soil microbial life. Mined minerals and a few allowed synthetic substances are permitted as supplemental sources of nutrients, provided that soil, crop, and water contamination are avoided.

Organic food production is based on a SYSTEM of farming that mimics natural ecosystems that balance pest and beneficial organism POPULATIONS and maintain and replenish FERTILITY of the soil. The term ‘organic’ in the UNITED States is applied to the agricultural PRODUCTS produced on farms that adhere to the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) Rule.

Organic food production is based on a system of farming that mimics natural ecosystems that balance pest and beneficial organism populations and maintain and replenish fertility of the soil. The term ‘organic’ in the United States is applied to the agricultural products produced on farms that adhere to the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) Rule.

IDEALLY yes, but it is ACCEPTED that there SIMPLY is not ENOUGH organic straw available, so non-organic straw may be USED.

Ideally yes, but it is accepted that there simply is not enough organic straw available, so non-organic straw may be used.

• Most veterinary medicines are allowed in ORGANIC systems, usually on an individual animal BASIS.
• You need SPECIAL permission, based on proving a real need, to USE them.
• If too many medicines are used, there is a risk of animals losing their organic status.

Organic standards are the SET of “RULES” which, as a registered organic producer, you must follow in order to maintain your CERTIFICATE which will allow you to SELL PRODUCE as organic.

Organic standards are the set of “rules” which, as a registered organic producer, you must follow in order to maintain your certificate which will allow you to sell produce as organic.

• During the first year of conversion produce may not be sold as organic – it must be sold onto the non-organic (conventional) market.
• If appropriate, produce during the second year of conversion may be sold as “organic – in-conversion” produce, if there is a market for it.
• Once land has COMPLETED its conversion to full organic status, crops sown or transplanted into FULLY organic land may be sold as organic.
• Livestock to be sold as organic will be available some TIME after the land has achieved fully organic status. The time period will DEPEND on the TYPE of stock and other factors.

Land is not tested for PESTICIDE or other residues unless a PROBLEM is SUSPECTED, but a recent soil ANALYSIS is required for certification.

Land is not tested for pesticide or other residues unless a problem is suspected, but a recent soil analysis is required for certification.

• Land NORMALLY has to GO through a minimum of two years before it achieves full organic status (ALSO known as symbol status).
• Crops sown or transplanted into fully organic land may be sold as organic.
• Livestock to be sold as organic will be available some TIME after the land has achieved fully organic status. The time period will depend on the type of STOCK and other factors.

There is CURRENTLY no GRANT SCHEME for ORGANIC BUILDINGS.

There is currently no grant scheme for organic buildings.

The ORGANIC Farming Scheme (OFS) is an Agri-environment PACKAGE which supports conversion to organic production. OFS AGREEMENTS RUN for a period of FIVE years during which you are committed to farming according to organic standards and remaining certified by an organic certification body.

The Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) is an Agri-environment package which supports conversion to organic production. OFS agreements run for a period of five years during which you are committed to farming according to organic standards and remaining certified by an organic certification body.

Wrong - Organic production requires you to develop an integrated production system including:

• PLANNED CROPPING rotations.
• Clover as a means of GETTING nitrogen into the soil.
• Managed use of MANURES, composts, and slurries.
• Carefully selected crop and grass VARIETIES.
• Mechanical weed control techniques.

Wrong - Organic production requires you to develop an integrated production system including:

Artificial fertilizers are not allowed in organic production. Soil fertility for growing CROPS and grass is BASED on:

• Planned cropping rotations.
• Clover in grazing and CUTTING swards or green manures.
• Managed use of manures, composts, and slurries.
• APPROVED supplementary fertilizing materials.
• Imported organic manures such as organic poultry MANURE – limited use.

Artificial fertilizers are not allowed in organic production. Soil fertility for growing crops and grass is based on:

1. No chemical weed killers are ALLOWED in organic production.
2. A very SMALL number of basic fungicides are allowed – you need to obtain special PERMISSION (derogation) to USE them.
3. A very small number of simple insecticides are allowed– you need to obtain special permission (derogation) to use them.

Many factors need to be considered by producers when taking into account the economic feasibility of converting to organic production. OFTEN, WITHIN the first few YEARS, yields might be reduced. If your region is not suited to organic production this will also increase financial risks. There may be reduced costs involved in relation to not having to purchase chemicals, however, there may be increases related to the cost of ORGANICALLY certified inputs such as feed, organic fertilisers and segregation.

Many factors need to be considered by producers when taking into account the economic feasibility of converting to organic production. Often, within the first few years, yields might be reduced. If your region is not suited to organic production this will also increase financial risks. There may be reduced costs involved in relation to not having to purchase chemicals, however, there may be increases related to the cost of organically certified inputs such as feed, organic fertilisers and segregation.

Once you have undertaken adequate research and decided that you want to proceed with certification, you will need to apply to a certification body, submit an application form and then pay the INITIAL fees. The application form may include a QUESTIONNAIRE requesting information about the farm management history, including previous chemical usage, cultivation practices, FERTILISERS and pest control inputs. The initial 12 month period is GENERALLY referred to as "pre-certification". The next TWO years are referred to as the "in-conversion" period.

Once you have undertaken adequate research and decided that you want to proceed with certification, you will need to apply to a certification body, submit an application form and then pay the initial fees. The application form may include a questionnaire requesting information about the farm management history, including previous chemical usage, cultivation practices, fertilisers and pest control inputs. The initial 12 month period is generally referred to as "pre-certification". The next two years are referred to as the "in-conversion" period.

In 2005 there were approx. 500 certified organic farms in Ontario with over 90,000 acres of certified land. This is more than DOUBLE the comparable NUMBERS for 1996. GROWTH of organic food sales in North AMERICA is FREQUENTLY reported as being consistently around 20% per year for the past 10 years.

In 2005 there were approx. 500 certified organic farms in Ontario with over 90,000 acres of certified land. This is more than double the comparable numbers for 1996. Growth of organic food sales in North America is frequently reported as being consistently around 20% per year for the past 10 years.

Organic production of CROPS is very SIMILAR to REGULAR production for planting, harvesting. Varieties are USUALLY the same. Fertility, weeds and other pests need to be managed in a more intensive way. Crop rotation and timing of mechanical cultivation are critical to success. The integration of livestock, to help supply manure/compost NUTRIENTS will also be a benefit.

Organic production of crops is very similar to regular production for planting, harvesting. Varieties are usually the same. Fertility, weeds and other pests need to be managed in a more intensive way. Crop rotation and timing of mechanical cultivation are critical to success. The integration of livestock, to help supply manure/compost nutrients will also be a benefit.

There are many things that will help you determine which crops can be grown on a farm, such as farm location, climate, and soil types. Your farming experience/knowledge and your time AVAILABILITY will ALSO be FACTORS in determining which crops are most SUITED to you.

There are many things that will help you determine which crops can be grown on a farm, such as farm location, climate, and soil types. Your farming experience/knowledge and your time availability will also be factors in determining which crops are most suited to you.

Yes, many processors who have undertaken to have their premises certified organic have continued to produce both conventional and organic lines. Processing organic product imposes some restrictions. Using an abattoir as an example, organic processing can generally only be CARRIED out as the FIRST production run after a thorough clean down. This would generally be in the MORNING, the Monday after a clean down which usually occurs at the end of the working week on a Friday.

Processors need to ensure that products are segregated to ensure that there is no risk of cross contamination through contact with conventional products. In the cropping/orchard situation, part of a property can be converted. Where livestock are involved it is more difficult because they usually cover the whole farm. Where an ENTERPRISE processes both organic and conventional product the facility must be cleaned to organic standards. This often means that lines are stored until enough organic product is available to justify the EXPENSE of the clean down. If you are in doubt, talk to your certifying body to clarify the situation.

Yes, many processors who have undertaken to have their premises certified organic have continued to produce both conventional and organic lines. Processing organic product imposes some restrictions. Using an abattoir as an example, organic processing can generally only be carried out as the first production run after a thorough clean down. This would generally be in the morning, the Monday after a clean down which usually occurs at the end of the working week on a Friday.

Processors need to ensure that products are segregated to ensure that there is no risk of cross contamination through contact with conventional products. In the cropping/orchard situation, part of a property can be converted. Where livestock are involved it is more difficult because they usually cover the whole farm. Where an enterprise processes both organic and conventional product the facility must be cleaned to organic standards. This often means that lines are stored until enough organic product is available to justify the expense of the clean down. If you are in doubt, talk to your certifying body to clarify the situation.

Yes. All certifying bodies operating in Tasmania will SUPPORT PART certification of a FARM. However, they would prefer that the part certification lead to a whole of PROPERTY certification within ten years. A part certification means that a farmer can try organic farming on part of the holding without having to COMMIT the whole farm.

Yes. All certifying bodies operating in Tasmania will support part certification of a farm. However, they would prefer that the part certification lead to a whole of property certification within ten years. A part certification means that a farmer can try organic farming on part of the holding without having to commit the whole farm.

AROUND 10 q of Azolla is required for a HECTARE of land.

Around 10 q of Azolla is required for a hectare of land.

It is an algae, fixes 20-30 KG N/hectare. Its APPLICATION to RICE INCREASES yield by 15-20%.

It is an algae, fixes 20-30 kg N/hectare. Its application to rice increases yield by 15-20%.

Azolla is suitable for FLOODED CONDITION which FIXES upto 40-80 kg N/hectare. When APPLIED in desired quantity.

Azolla is suitable for flooded condition which fixes upto 40-80 kg N/hectare. When applied in desired quantity.

Azospirillum is recommended for rice MILLETS, MAIZE, wheat SORGHUM ETC. and it fixes 20-40 KG N/hectare.

Azospirillum is recommended for rice millets, maize, wheat sorghum etc. and it fixes 20-40 kg N/hectare.

Rhizobium is USED for pulse legume. It fixes 50-100 kg N/hectare with legumes. For different pulse crops specific rhizobium CULTURES are REQUIRED.

Rhizobium is used for pulse legume. It fixes 50-100 kg N/hectare with legumes. For different pulse crops specific rhizobium cultures are required.

Azolla is a water fern. It fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil with the help of blue green algae by symbiosis process. Its application improves soil health and soil fertility. Azolla suppresses weed growth, reduces loss of applied chemical Nitrogen FERTILIZER. Azolla biofertilizer technology is SIMPLE, economical and eco friendly. In rice field Azolla grown once before or after planting can produce upto 25 tons of fresh biomass and contribute upto 50 kg N/ha. Azolla grown once during the cropping season can easily supply 20-40 kg N/ha. Azolla can be used as a feed for poultry, duckery, fish and CATTLE.

Azolla is a water fern. It fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil with the help of blue green algae by symbiosis process. Its application improves soil health and soil fertility. Azolla suppresses weed growth, reduces loss of applied chemical Nitrogen fertilizer. Azolla biofertilizer technology is simple, economical and eco friendly. In rice field Azolla grown once before or after planting can produce upto 25 tons of fresh biomass and contribute upto 50 kg N/ha. Azolla grown once during the cropping season can easily supply 20-40 kg N/ha. Azolla can be used as a feed for poultry, duckery, fish and cattle.

Mycorrhizal application is easy and requires no SPECIAL equipment. The goal is to create physical contact between the mycorrhizal INOCULANTS and the plant root. Mycorrhizal inoculants can be sprinkled onto roots during transplanting, worked into seed BEDS, blended into potting SOIL, "WATERED in" via existing irrigation systems, applied as a root dip gel or probed into the root zone of existing plants. The type of application depends upon the conditions and needs of the applicator.

Mycorrhizal application is easy and requires no special equipment. The goal is to create physical contact between the mycorrhizal inoculants and the plant root. Mycorrhizal inoculants can be sprinkled onto roots during transplanting, worked into seed beds, blended into potting soil, "watered in" via existing irrigation systems, applied as a root dip gel or probed into the root zone of existing plants. The type of application depends upon the conditions and needs of the applicator.

Certain mycorrhizal SPORES or "seeds" of the fungus have been selected for their growth enhancing abilities. These spores are combined with root biostimulants, humic acids and water absorbent gel to invigorate roots and promote plant survival and growth. When APPLIED, the spores of mycorrhizal fungi spread through soil colonizing plant roots and work to produce vigorous root systems and plant growth. The yield enhancing attributes of mycorrhizal fungi have co-evolved over millennia and has been the focus of 20 years of intensive research. Now, growers, LANDSCAPERS and homeowners can apply the MIRACULOUS relationship of plant and mycorrhizal fungi and improve plant growth the natural WAY.

Certain mycorrhizal spores or "seeds" of the fungus have been selected for their growth enhancing abilities. These spores are combined with root biostimulants, humic acids and water absorbent gel to invigorate roots and promote plant survival and growth. When applied, the spores of mycorrhizal fungi spread through soil colonizing plant roots and work to produce vigorous root systems and plant growth. The yield enhancing attributes of mycorrhizal fungi have co-evolved over millennia and has been the focus of 20 years of intensive research. Now, growers, landscapers and homeowners can apply the miraculous relationship of plant and mycorrhizal fungi and improve plant growth the natural way.

Undisturbed soils are full of beneficial soil organisms including mycorrhizal fungi. Research indicates, however, many common practices can degrade the mycorrhiza-forming potential of soil. Tillage, fertilization, removal of topsoil, erosion, site preparation, road and home construction, fumigation, invasion of non-native plants, and leaving soils bare are some of the activities that can reduce or eliminate these beneficial soil fungi. Reintroducing mycorrhizal fungi in areas where they have been DEPLETED can dramatically improve plant establishment and growth.

Many ROUTINE nursery practices, such as fumigation and dousing with high levels of water and nutrients, produce non-mycorrhizal plants. When high levels of fertilizer and water are provided for non-mycorrhizal plants, they can thrive in this artificial growing media, but they are ill prepared to survive the EVENTUAL out planted CONDITION.

Undisturbed soils are full of beneficial soil organisms including mycorrhizal fungi. Research indicates, however, many common practices can degrade the mycorrhiza-forming potential of soil. Tillage, fertilization, removal of topsoil, erosion, site preparation, road and home construction, fumigation, invasion of non-native plants, and leaving soils bare are some of the activities that can reduce or eliminate these beneficial soil fungi. Reintroducing mycorrhizal fungi in areas where they have been depleted can dramatically improve plant establishment and growth.

Many routine nursery practices, such as fumigation and dousing with high levels of water and nutrients, produce non-mycorrhizal plants. When high levels of fertilizer and water are provided for non-mycorrhizal plants, they can thrive in this artificial growing media, but they are ill prepared to survive the eventual out planted condition.

Mycorrhizal fungi are involved with a wide variety of other activities that benefit plant establishment and growth. The same extensive network of fungal filaments important to nutrient uptake is also important in water uptake and storage. In non-irrigated conditions, mycorrhizal plants are under far less drought stress COMPARED to non-mycorrhizal plants.

Mycorrhizal fungi also IMPROVE soil structure. Mycorrhizal filaments produce humic compounds and organic "glues" (extracellular polysaccharides) that bind SOILS into aggregates and improves soil porosity. Soil porosity and soil structure positively influence the growth of plants by promoting aeration, water movement into soil, root growth, and distribution. In SANDY or compacted soils the ability of mycorrhizal fungi to promote soil structure may be more important than the seeking out of nutrients.

Mycorrhizal fungi are involved with a wide variety of other activities that benefit plant establishment and growth. The same extensive network of fungal filaments important to nutrient uptake is also important in water uptake and storage. In non-irrigated conditions, mycorrhizal plants are under far less drought stress compared to non-mycorrhizal plants.

Mycorrhizal fungi also improve soil structure. Mycorrhizal filaments produce humic compounds and organic "glues" (extracellular polysaccharides) that bind soils into aggregates and improves soil porosity. Soil porosity and soil structure positively influence the growth of plants by promoting aeration, water movement into soil, root growth, and distribution. In sandy or compacted soils the ability of mycorrhizal fungi to promote soil structure may be more important than the seeking out of nutrients.

These fungi increase the surface absorbing area of roots 10 to 100x thereby greatly IMPROVING the ability of the plants to utilize the soil resource. ESTIMATES of amounts of mycorrhizal filaments present in soil ASSOCIATED with plants are astonishing. Several miles of fungal filaments can be present in less than a thimbleful of soil! But mycorrhizal fungi increase nutrient uptake not only by increase the surface absorbing area of roots, they ALSO release powerful chemicals into the soil that dissolve hard to capture nutrients such as phosphorous , iron and other "tightly bound" soil nutrients.

This EXTRACTION process is particularly important in plant nutrition and explains why non-mycorrhizal plants require high levels of fertility to maintain their health. Mycorrhizal fungi form an intricate web that captures and assimilates nutrients, thus conserving the nutrient capital in soils. In non mycorrhizal conditions much of this fertility is wasted or lost from the system.

These fungi increase the surface absorbing area of roots 10 to 100x thereby greatly improving the ability of the plants to utilize the soil resource. Estimates of amounts of mycorrhizal filaments present in soil associated with plants are astonishing. Several miles of fungal filaments can be present in less than a thimbleful of soil! But mycorrhizal fungi increase nutrient uptake not only by increase the surface absorbing area of roots, they also release powerful chemicals into the soil that dissolve hard to capture nutrients such as phosphorous , iron and other "tightly bound" soil nutrients.

This extraction process is particularly important in plant nutrition and explains why non-mycorrhizal plants require high levels of fertility to maintain their health. Mycorrhizal fungi form an intricate web that captures and assimilates nutrients, thus conserving the nutrient capital in soils. In non mycorrhizal conditions much of this fertility is wasted or lost from the system.

Over 90% of the WORLD's PLANT species form mycorrhizae and REQUIRE the association for maximum performance in non-artificial CONDITIONS.

Over 90% of the world's plant species form mycorrhizae and require the association for maximum performance in non-artificial conditions.

Use of inoculants here is STILL APPROPRIATE as RESEARCH shows that the species of mycorrhizal fungi most effective with YOUNG plants may be different than the species most effective with mature plants of the same plant species.

Use of inoculants here is still appropriate as research shows that the species of mycorrhizal fungi most effective with young plants may be different than the species most effective with mature plants of the same plant species.

ALTHOUGH mycorrhizal FUNGI may be present the types (species) may not be the most EFFECTIVE for the plant species that is being planted. The introduction of diverse species at the time of planting greatly ENHANCES the PROBABILITY of successful colonization of the roots to take advantage of all of the benefits of mycorrhizal roots.

Although mycorrhizal fungi may be present the types (species) may not be the most effective for the plant species that is being planted. The introduction of diverse species at the time of planting greatly enhances the probability of successful colonization of the roots to take advantage of all of the benefits of mycorrhizal roots.

Multiple SPECIES are very important because they increase the ODDS significantly that ONE of the SELECTED species will prosper with the roots and multiply QUICKLY.

Multiple species are very important because they increase the odds significantly that one of the selected species will prosper with the roots and multiply quickly.

Again, practices GENERALLY are geared to high production to TURN INVENTORIES. Under highly MANAGED operations any mycorrhizal fungi present would be poorly adapted to real world conditions found at out planting SITES.

Again, practices generally are geared to high production to turn inventories. Under highly managed operations any mycorrhizal fungi present would be poorly adapted to real world conditions found at out planting sites.

Probably not. Even if there was a mycorrhizal fungi present in nursery STOCK the species that WOULD thrive in a nursery setting would probably OFFER LITTLE benefit in a real world landscape, restoration, or FORESTRY planting.

Probably not. Even if there was a mycorrhizal fungi present in nursery stock the species that would thrive in a nursery setting would probably offer little benefit in a real world landscape, restoration, or forestry planting.

In DISTURBED soils, the KINDS found in LANDSCAPE projects, restoration, NEW grove/orchards, and mine reclamation sites.

In disturbed soils, the kinds found in landscape projects, restoration, new grove/orchards, and mine reclamation sites.

MYCORRHIZAE are mutualistic relationships between soil fungus and plant roots. SCIENTIST TELLS us that the relationship has been around for 400 million YEARS ALTHOUGH discovered in 1845 by a scientist in Germany.

Mycorrhizae are mutualistic relationships between soil fungus and plant roots. Scientist tells us that the relationship has been around for 400 million years although discovered in 1845 by a scientist in Germany.

There is a huge difference in the APPLICATION amount and the actual availability of chemical fertilizers to the plants. Biofertilizer have been REPORTED to enhance the availability of these inorganic inputs to the plants. Thus Biofertilizer can be USED along with chemical fertilizers but the care should be taken to AVOID direct CONTACT of chemical based inputs with Biofertilizer which is likely to reduce the microbial population of Biofertilizer.

There is a huge difference in the application amount and the actual availability of chemical fertilizers to the plants. Biofertilizer have been reported to enhance the availability of these inorganic inputs to the plants. Thus Biofertilizer can be used along with chemical fertilizers but the care should be taken to avoid direct contact of chemical based inputs with Biofertilizer which is likely to reduce the microbial population of Biofertilizer.

In spite of definite merits viz low cost agri-input, high efficiency and less bulk, the biofertilizer by and large could not win confidence of farmers / farming community probable reasons could be the following:

Quality of products:

• Manufacturing and quality control of biofertilizer involves sophisticated technology. Hence qualified and trained MANPOWER is required to be deployed for biofertilizer manufacturing unit.
• As biofertilizer carry live cells microorganisms, a great deal of care is required to be taken while HANDLING transportation and storage especially during summer SEASON due to exposure of the bio-products to higher temperatures.

Awareness and Education:

• Most often this is the most single contributing factor for the POPULARITY of bio-fertilizers. Due to lack of adequate awareness and education among the farming community, there are many misconceptions regarding the use, application and types of bio-fertilizers. Very often bio-fertilizers are mistaken for organic manure and other nutrient based products. Hence, it becomes extremely important for the farming community to be educated and aware about these bio-fertilizers.

In spite of definite merits viz low cost agri-input, high efficiency and less bulk, the biofertilizer by and large could not win confidence of farmers / farming community probable reasons could be the following:

Quality of products:

Awareness and Education:

Anybody who is involved in farming can use these biofertilizer in crops such as LEGUMES, cash crops, cereal crops, fodder crops, OIL seed crops, horticultural crops, VEGETABLES, fruit trees, forest trees, medicinal, HERBAL and decorative plants.

Anybody who is involved in farming can use these biofertilizer in crops such as legumes, cash crops, cereal crops, fodder crops, oil seed crops, horticultural crops, vegetables, fruit trees, forest trees, medicinal, herbal and decorative plants.

GENERALLY all the beneficial microbial ORGANISMS are compatible to each other. They can be applied safely in combination or SEPARATELY as the SITUATION demands.

Generally all the beneficial microbial organisms are compatible to each other. They can be applied safely in combination or separately as the situation demands.

• BIOFERTILIZER packets need to be stored in cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Right combinations of biofertilizer have to be used.
• As Rhizobium is crop specific, one should use for the specified crop only.
• Other chemicals should not be mixed with the biofertilizer.
• While purchasing one should ensure that each packet is provided with necessary information like name of the product, name of the crop for which intended, name and address of the manufacturer, date of manufacture, date of expiry, batch number and instructions for use.
• The packet has to be used before its expiry, only for the specified crop and by the recommended method of APPLICATION.
• Biofertilizer are live product and require care in the storage.
• Both nitrogen and phosphatic biofertilizer are to be used to get the best results.
• It is important to use biofertilizer along with chemical fertilizers and organic manures.
• Biofertilizer are not replacement of fertilizers but can SUPPLEMENT plant NUTRIENT requirements.

• Biofertilizer product must contain good effective STRAIN in appropriate population and should be free from contaminating microorganisms.
• Select right combination of biofertilizer and use before expiry DATE.
• Use suggested method of application and apply at appropriate time as per the information provided on the label.
• For seed treatment adequate adhesive should be USED for better results.
• For problematic soils use corrective METHODS like lime or gypsum pelleting of seeds or correction of soil pH by use of lime.
• Ensure the SUPPLY of phosphorus and other nutrients.

SEED treatment: 200 g of nitrogenous biofertilizer and 200g of Phosphate are suspended in 300-400 ml of water and mixed thoroughly. Ten kg seeds are treated with this paste and DRIED in shade. The treated seeds have to be sown as soon as possible.

Seedling root dip: For rice crop, a bed is made in the field and FILLED with water. Recommended biofertilizer are mixed in this water and the roots of seedlings are dipped for 8-10 hrs.

Soil treatment: 4 kg each of the recommended biofertilizer are mixed in 200 kg of COMPOST and kept overnight. This mixture is incorporated in the soil at the time of sowing or planting.

Seed treatment: 200 g of nitrogenous biofertilizer and 200g of Phosphate are suspended in 300-400 ml of water and mixed thoroughly. Ten kg seeds are treated with this paste and dried in shade. The treated seeds have to be sown as soon as possible.

Seedling root dip: For rice crop, a bed is made in the field and filled with water. Recommended biofertilizer are mixed in this water and the roots of seedlings are dipped for 8-10 hrs.

Soil treatment: 4 kg each of the recommended biofertilizer are mixed in 200 kg of compost and kept overnight. This mixture is incorporated in the soil at the time of sowing or planting.