LOS BAÑOS — Through a research funding from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), UP Los Baños’ National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) developed Oryzinc™, an inoculant that increases the availability of zinc in the soil by making it soluble; thus, available for plant uptake and use. The research is regarded as the first of its kind in the Philippines.
The technology can be used as a viable alternative to chemical nitrogen and zinc fertilizers — typically what Filipino farmers apply on their crops. However, when the soil gets degraded and the pH is slightly alkaline, insoluble zinc compounds form which makes fertilizer application a temporary solution. As an alternative, Oryzinc™ is inexpensive to produce, reduces farmers’ dependence on chemical fertilizer and promotes the conservation and re-establishment of natural microflora and fauna, particularly of beneficial soil microbes.
Reference:
Nepomuceno, R. A. (2023, June 14). Oryzinc™ – A Sustainable Solution for Rice Biofortification and Soil Zinc-Solubilization. https://uplb.edu.ph/research/oryzinc-a-sustainable-solution-for-rice-biofortification-and-soil-zinc-solubilization/