Bio Organic Manures

Bio-organic manure, often referred to as organic fertilizer, is a broad category that includes various types of decomposed plant and animal waste.

1.  Description and Benefits: Bio-organic manure enriches the soil by increasing its organic matter content, which improves soil structure, aeration, and water retention. It also provides essential macro and micronutrients in a slow-release form, stimulating microbial activity and suppressing soil-borne pathogens. The use of bio-organic manure can lead to increased crop yield and a reduction in the need for synthetic fertilizers.
2. Guaranteed Nutrient Content (as per FCO): The Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) Control Order (FCO) in India specifies minimum nutrient content for various fertilizers. For bio-organic manure, the general guaranteed nutrient content is often specified as a certain percentage of total Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P2O5), and Potassium (K2O). It is crucial to check the specific product label for the guaranteed analysis as per FCO regulations.

Application and Dosage

1. Soil Treatment: Mix 4 kg of bio-fertilizer per acre with 200 kg of compost or farmyard manure (FYM) and apply it to the soil before sowing or planting.
2. Seed Treatment: For a small quantity of seeds (up to 5 kg), mix 200 g of bio-fertilizer with 300-400 ml of water to form a paste. Treat the seeds with this paste and let them dry in the shade before sowing.
3. Seedling Root Dip: For crops like rice, dip the roots of the seedlings for 8-10 hours in a solution of bio-fertilizers (e.g., 5 kg per hectare) mixed with water.
4. Recommended Crops: Bio-organic manure is suitable for a wide range of crops, including cereals (wheat, rice), legumes, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, and plantation crops.

Storage and Handling

1. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
2.  Bio-fertilizers are living products, so they have a limited shelf life. Use them before the expiry date.
3. Do not mix bio-fertilizers with chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
4. Caution: Always use the right combination of bio-fertilizers for specific crops. For instance, Rhizobium is crop-specific and should only be used for the specified leguminous crop.