| MMSU produces organic fertilizer |
| The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) is now producing its own supply of organic fertilizer. This project is in support to Executive Order No. 481 which is the promotion and development of organic agriculture in the Philippines. A total of P0.5 M funds from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is allocated for its implementation by MMSU.The production of organic fertilizer utilizes all biodegradable wastes both from plants and animal origin. Some of the wastes include: plant debris, saw dust, carbonized rice hull, chicken manure and cow dung. Likewise, trichoderma, an activator for composting is also being used in the manufacture of organic fertilizer. The trichoderma used in the manufacture of organic fertilizer, are likewise, produced by MMSU. Three researchers were trained on trichoderma inoculation.On the other hand, to determine the nutrient composition of the MMSU organic fertilizer, samples were analyzed at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Diliman, Quezon City. Based on the analysis done, nutrient composition of the MMSU organic fertilizer are: nitrogen, 1.1- 2.15%; phosphorous, 2.42- 4.74%; potassium, 1.45-3.67%; calcium, 9.2-9.8%; and magnesium, 1.62-1.68%, depending on the amount and kind of materials used. To date, 742 bags of MMSU organic fertilizer were already produced. These supplied the requirements of the university crop production and extension projects. Some were dispersed to farmer-co-operators of the Bio-Intensive Gardening (BIG) project and others were used in evaluation trials to different crops such as rice, white squash, cabbage and cauliflower. The other produced were sold to MMSU constituents and interested individuals. Overall, the project has already generated an income of P161,230 which came from the sales of organic fertilizer and trichoderma. (Lea C. Agbigay, RACO Representative, MMSU |