Bio-fertilization strategy in low nitrogen-supplying soils in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental (Philippines)

An on-farm study on the use of 2 commercial biofertilizers (Bio-N and Vital N) and organic and inorganic fertilizers was conducted in low Nitrogen-supplying soils in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental to determine the effectiveness of commercial biofertilizers as source of Nitrogen fertilizer for corn and to assess the profitability using commercial biofertilizer. Results showed that in Anlugan, Bukidnon, highest average grain yield on corn was obtained in RR + Vital N (T7) of 10.507 t/ha closely followed with RR + organic fertilizer (T10), 1/2 RR N + RR P and K + Bio-N (T2) and RR + Bio-N (T6) of 10.007, 9.870 and 9.814 t/ha, respectively. Treatments with Bio-N and Vital N gave significant higher grain yield of more than 8 t/ha compared to farmers' practice (T11) of 6.834 t/ha. Highest grain yield was observed during dry season with 1/2 RR + Bio-N (T8) of 9.735 t/ha and closely followed with T7 and T6 of 9.119 and 9.017 t/ha. Similarly, Bio-N and Vital N in combination with inorganic fertilizer obtained an average grain yield of more than 8 t/ha compared to inorganic fertilizer alone and farmers' practice of less than 6 t/ha. In Hinigdaan, Misamis Oriental, T10 showed the highest grain yield followed closely with 1/2 RR N + RR P and K + Vital N and Bio-N with 7.62 and 7.30 t/ha. And the lowest yield was in T11 with 3.53 t/ha. The highest yield was obtained during the wet season in both sites. Cost and Return analysis showed that T2 gave the highest net income of P51,710/ha with ROI of 3.0 and of P53,930 with ROI of P3.8 during the wet and dry season. In comparison, T11 showed the highest net income of P33,799.50 (WS) and P18,781 (DS) with ROI of P2.4 and P1.3. The use of either Bio-N or Vital N in combination with 1/2 RR of inorganic fertilizer gave significant increase in yield up to 30 percent (WS) and 79 percent (DS) and increased farmers' income to 36 percent (WS) and 126 percent (DS). The use of biofertilizers for corn is potential and a key factor to increase farmers' income through reduction of high cost of chemical fertilizer.