THE UNIVERSITY is now increasing the production bio-organic fertilizers to cope with the growing demand of farmers in Ilocos Norte and neaby provinces.

            Records show that from the 1,191 bags of organic fertilizer produced in 2012 and sold at P297,750, the production went up to 1,363 bags last year which generated a substantial income of P340,750.  One bag weighs 50 kilos pegged at P250. As of June, 687 bags are now ready for this year’s planting season.

            Started in 2008, the heaping area for active composting and curing process at the back of the University Library supervised by Dr. Floramante Pastor has continuously been flooded with rising demand for organic fertilizer from farmers in the province especially those involved in organic farming for rice, corn, and other high value commercial crops.

           Pastor said the university’s bio-organic fertilizer production project has been producing high-quality compost in the past seven years and is part of the long-range plan of the university to convert all farm residues into organic farm input.

Aside from the leaves and other farm excesses, the university if also producing vermicast fertilizers from earthworms and is providing free vermiworms to those who may want to venture into vermiculture. So far, 45 kilos of earthworms have been given to selected clientele.

            According to Dr. Pastor, the return of investment of producing organic fertilizer is high, which posted 35.92 percent last year. This is because the project has a break-even yield of only 368 bags, which means that it only needs this volume to recover the entire amount spent for a one-year production. Thus, for last year’s production of 1,363 bags of organic fertilizers, a net income of about P247,750 was realized from the 995 bags. Also, the break-even price for one bag is only about P183.

            Nutrient components of the MMSU organic fertilizer is also high according to the analysis done by the Bureau of Soils and water Management. Its nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium components reached 2.15, 3.55, and 1.45 percent, respectively.

            Meanwhile, there are a lot of advantages in using the MMSU organic fertilizer over the inorganic. Most of its components contain elements that increase physical and biological properties in soils, thus, mitigating the risks of over-fertilization.

            Organic fertilizers also emphasize the role of humus and other organic components of soil, which are believed to play several important functions such as mobilizing the existing soil nutrients so that good growth of plants is achieved, thus spending less.

            On the other hand, inorganic or chemical fertilizers are only good for the rapid growth of plants but not for their health. If used in excess, these make the soil saline and infertile. Even the chemicals may seep in nearby water resources and enter the food chain, thus, posing health hazard.

            Organic fertilizers, however, take longer time than inorganic fertilizers in bringing soil fertility but are effective on a long-term basis.