Formulation and application of multi-strain inoculant for agroforestry production (Theobroma cacao L. and Coffea liberica H.) production: formulation and application of multi-strain inoculant for agroforestry production
2018
Pampolina, N.M. | Garcia, M.U. | Anarna, J.A. | Manalo, D.DC.
Among the driving force in poor agricultural production is infertile soil generally due to forest conservation and frequent chemical fertilization resulting to loss of beneficial soil microbes link to nutrient supply. This project was conceived to address this concern by formulating a multi strain inoculant intended for application to agricultural and agroforestry crops. This report presents promising outcome of reintroducing suitable microorganisms to agricultural (pinakbet) crops with attempts to practice agroforestry using coffee and cacao. A total of 105 isolates of beneficial microorganisms were isolated from different crops and purified. The best isolates were screened under nursery condition using plant height, diameter, and biomass as parameters, evaluated under different farm levels to determine effective isolates that are developed into multi strain inoculant. Isolates that promote better behaviour were further mass produced with Centrosema pubescens Benth. and Leucaena leucocephalla as hosts and harvested as multi inoculant. The field performance of tested crops in terms of harvest was evaluated using RGBD by comparing effectiveness of multi strain inoculant with farmer's practice and statistically analyzed. The performance of multi strain was further demonstrated on selected crops with farm cooperators in the region. Results suggest efficacy of the inoculant in increasing yield and prolonging life span of crops, thereby providing additional harvest and income. It is recommended that additional field strains in other site conditions outside the region will be best to verify efficiency and efficacy as an alternative biofertilizer to inorganic source for farmers. The formulation of multi inoculant must be further optimized to determine mechanism of action by diverse soil microbiota through community analysis.
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