N-fixing bacteria to reduce chemical fertilizer use
Stimuplant is a specialized range of inoculants designed for various legume crops. It capitalizes on a unique symbiotic relationship between the legume plants and a beneficial bacterium known as Rhizobia. This natural partnership results in the addition of significant nitrogen levels to the soil, ranging from 40 to 150 kg per hectare.
This technology is pre-validated.
Positive or neutral impact
Positive or neutral impact
Nitrogen Limitation for Growth: Plants, especially legume crops, encounter restricted availability of nitrogen (N) in the soil, hindering their growth.
Soil Degradation from Fertilizer Reliance: Overdependence on chemical fertilizers has contributed to soil degradation over time.
Economic and Food Insecurity: The aforementioned issues collectively result in economic challenges and food insecurity for farmers.
UPL Powder Carrier Technology: Leveraging UPL powder carrier technology provides a protective shield for bacteria, safeguarding them against harsh environmental conditions like high temperatures and pH fluctuations.
CERES Organic Certification: The technology carries the prestigious CERES organic certification, ensuring compliance with rigorous organic standards.
Tailored Packaging for Smallholder Farmers: The packaging is specifically designed to suit the practical needs of smallholder farmers, enhancing accessibility and usability.
Extended Shelf Life: The powder formulation extends the shelf life of the product, offering a longer period of usability (9 months instead of 6), contributing to reduced wastage and increased efficiency.
The Rhyzobium inoculant range technology enhances agricultural inputs, aiding in increased crop yields and food security while reducing wastage. It promotes sustainable consumption and production, contributes to climate resilience in farming, and supports sustainable land management practices, thus preserving biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystems.
To incorporate this technology into your project and develop a list of project activities along with prerequisites, follow these steps:
Estimate the quantity of products required based on the technology cost, ranging from approximately USD 15-25 per hectare.
Consider the accessibility of the technology in South Africa and calculate delivery costs to the project site, including potential import clearance and duties.
Arrange training and support from a team of trainers during project installation, and include the cost for training and post-training support.
Develop communication materials such as flyers, videos, and radio broadcasts to promote awareness and understanding of the technology.
Optimize the effectiveness of the improved maize variety by companion planting with soybean varieties resistant to pests and diseases, particularly Asian Rust. Additionally, prioritize fundamental nutrient fertilization, focusing on elements like Super Phosphate or tailored fertilizer blends for grain legumes.
Collaborate with agricultural development institutes and agro-dealers to facilitate the implementation of the technology in your country.
Product cost /ha
Yield increase
Open source / open access
Country | Tested | Adopted |
---|---|---|
Mozambique | Tested | Adopted |
South Africa | Tested | Adopted |
Zambia | Tested | Adopted |
This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.
AEZ | Subtropic - warm | Subtropic - cool | Tropic - warm | Tropic - cool |
---|---|---|---|---|
Arid | ||||
Semiarid | ||||
Subhumid | ||||
Humid |
Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.
Seed treatment process :
For large quantities use a concrete mixer.
For small quantities use a plastic bag as follow:
Plant directly after inoculation and drying.
Avoid planting seeds with nitrogen fertilizer for up to 8 weeks, as it can harm the nodulation process.
Also, avoid direct contact with Superphosphate during and after inoculation.
Last updated on 22 May 2024