Production and application of bioorganic fertilizers for organic farming systems in Thailand: A case study

Abstract

As organic farming in Thailand has gained more momentum in recent years, many organic production projects have been initiated. Owing to the regulation of organic farming, synthetic chemical fertilizers are not allowed to be used. Therefore, the combination of organic fertilizers and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria has been developed, commonly known as bioorganic fertilizers. Amendment of mature compost with mixed microbe cultures (Azotobacter sp. + Azospirillum sp. + Trichoderma harzianum) was conducted. In addition, the use of Azolla microphylla as a green manure together with bioorganic fertilizer for rice cultivation showed a satisfactory yield. In the case of vegetable (Chinese kale), Sesbania rostrata and cowpea cultivation were also used as green manures prior to bioorganic fertilizer application. The combination of green manures and bioorganic fertilizers demonstrated that green manures enhance the effect of bioorganic fertilizers so that it can become a potential alternative to conventional farming systems.