In modern agriculture, especially in organic and circular farming, microbial products are increasingly being applied thanks to their practical benefits in soil improvement, yield enhancement, and environmental protection.
What are microbial products?
Microbial products are formulations containing one or more groups of beneficial microorganisms that have been cultured, selected, and blended in appropriate ratios. These microorganisms can secrete enzymes that break down cellulose and convert complex organic matter into nutrients that are more easily absorbed by plants. When introduced into the soil, they proliferate and help improve soil conditions, enhance nutrient absorption, and promote the natural growth process of crops.
These products are commonly used in organic fertilizer production, agricultural waste treatment, and post-harvest soil restoration. Currently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development encourages the use of microbial products, biological pesticides, and other biological methods as part of its strategy to promote safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly agriculture.
What beneficial microorganisms are found in microbial products?
Depending on their intended use, microbial products contain different groups of microorganisms. Some of the most common and beneficial microorganisms found in these products include:
- Nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum): These help enrich the soil with nitrogen, supporting healthy plant growth.
- Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus megaterium): They convert insoluble phosphorus in the soil into forms that plants can readily absorb.
- Cellulose-decomposing microorganisms (Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma spp.): These accelerate the decomposition of organic matter such as straw and manure, helping to enrich the soil.
- Actinomycetes and antagonistic fungi (Streptomyces spp., Trichoderma spp.): These inhibit harmful soil-borne pathogens.
These microorganisms work together to form a diverse enzyme system that rapidly decomposes organic waste. This process naturally enhances soil aeration, increases organic humus content, and improves overall soil quality.
DELCO’s chicken manure bio-products – one of the market’s trusted options, rich in beneficial microorganisms. It features a microbial density that is 28 – 32 times higher than the Vietnamese standard TCVN 6168:2002 for microbial preparations for cellulose degradation.
The effects of microbial products on crop cultivation
Microbial products offer many practical benefits to crop production:
- Soil improvement: They help loosen the soil, balance the soil microbiota, and prevent soil degradation.
- Enhanced nutrient absorption: Microorganisms assist in converting hard-to-digest compounds into forms that plants can easily absorb, thereby promoting healthy growth.
- Pest and disease suppression: Certain microbes in the preparation can compete with and inhibit soil-borne pathogens.
- Reduced input costs: Using microbial products helps decrease reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which not only reduces costs but also protects the environment and improves the quality of agricultural produce.
When should microbial products be used?
Microbial products should be applied at the beginning of a planting season or immediately after harvest. This is the ideal time to introduce beneficial microorganisms into the soil to improve its condition and prepare for the next crop cycle. During use, it’s important not to mix microbial products with chemical pesticides or fertilizers that have strong disinfectant properties, as these chemicals can kill the beneficial microbes and reduce effectiveness. In addition, microbial products should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures to maintain their biological activity when applied.
See more: What is compost? Why should farms use organic compost instead of chemical fertilizers?
See more: DELCO completes installation of smart chicken manure bio-product production line
