FNCA 2006 WORKSHOP ON BIOFERTILIZER

Following the agreement at the Seventh FNCA Coordinators Meeting in March 1-3, 2006 in Tokyo , Japan , the FNCA 2006 Workshop on Biofertilizer took place as follows;

The opening session began with the welcome address by Mr. Chouvana Rodthongkhom, Secretary-General of OAP, Thailand , followed by the opening remarks by Mr. Kenichi Miyazawa on behalf of MEXT . Dr. Achara Nuntagij, Project Leader of Thailand introduced the participants and Dr. Tadashi Yokoyama, Project Leader of Japan presented the "Overview of FNCA Biofertilizer Project" as an introduction to the workshop.

In Session II, two keynote speeches and two special lectures were presented. Dr. Nantakorn Boonkerd of Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand, delivered a keynote paper on "Development of Biofertilizer Research and Production in Thailand" and Dr. Neung Teaumroong, also of Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand, delivered a paper titled "12 year Biofertilizer Research in Thailand, from genes to farmers". Dr. Takuji Ohyama of Niigata University, Japan, presented a talk on " 15 N Analysis by Emission Spectrometry" and Mr. Shotaro Ando of National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Japan, gave a lecture on " Endophytic Nitrogen Fixation: the Third Plant-Microbe System of Nitrogen Fixation ".

In Session III, Lead-off Speech was delivered by Dr. Nantakorn Boonkerd followed by presentations on "Strategies for Extension of Biofertilizer Use" by Indonesia , Japan , Korea , Malaysia , the Philippines , Thailand and Vietnam . Prof. Dr. Abdul Aziz ( Bangladesh ) presented a special lecture on "Current Status of Biofertilizer in Bangladesh ". The points discussed and agreed upon are given in the minutes.

In Session IV, presentations on "Comparison on Effects of Sterilization of Biofertilizer Carriers by Irradiation and Autoclaving" were made by Indonesia , Korea , Malaysia , the Philippines , Thailand and Vietnam . Advantages of sterilization of carrier by irradiation discussed and agreed upon are summarized in the minutes.

In Session V, keynote speech on "Radiation Application to Bioindustry" was delivered by Dr. Issay Narumi of Japan Atomic Energy Agency followed by presentations on "Strategy for Practical Application of Sterilized Carrier by Irradiation" by Indonesia , Korea , Malaysia , the Philippines , Thailand and Vietnam . The points discussed and agreed upon are summarized in the minutes.

In Session VI, project Evaluation agreed upon by the participants is given in the minutes.

"Future perspective of FNCA Biofertilizer project" was proposed and agreed upon by the participants . The following topic is proposed for the future project by revising the present biofertilizer project;

Title: Development of new functional microorganisms for sustainable agriculture
Definition of "functional microorganisms" means microorganisms with more effective symbiotic and non-symbiotic properties, tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses, with the abilities to promote plant growth and control plant pathogens.

Plan 1: Selection of functional microorganisms in agriculture

• Mutation breeding of functional microorganisms by irradiation
  -- Symbiotic and non-symbiotic microorganisms such as Rhizobium , Azospirillum, mycorrhiza, PGPR, antagonistic microorganisms for plant diseases, etc.
• The use of isotope techniques to evaluate effectiveness of functional microorganisms

Plan 2: Irradiation sterilization of carriers for microorganisms

• Establishment of suitable sterilization methods for carriers
• Practical application of carriers sterilized by gamma and electron beam irradiation

Participants made a technical visit to Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center and Biofertilizer factory of Chiang Mai University .

MINUTES OF FNCA 2006 WORKSHOP ON BIOFERTILIZER

Following the agreement at the Seventh FNCA Coordinators Meeting in March 1-3, 2006 in Tokyo , Japan , the FNCA 2006 Workshop on Biofertilizer took place as follows;

Session I: Opening Session

The opening session began with the welcome address by Mr. Chouvana Rodthongkhom, Secretary-General of OAP, Thailand , followed by the opening remarks by Mr. Kenichi Miyazawa on behalf of MEXT . Dr. Achara Nuntagij, Project Leader of Thailand introduced the participants and Dr. Tadashi Yokoyama, Project Leader of Japan presented the "Overview of FNCA Biofertilizer Project" as an introduction to the workshop.

Session II: Special Lectures

Two keynote speeches and two special lectures were presented. Dr. Nantakorn Boonkerd of Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand, delivered a keynote paper on "Development of Biofertilizer Research and Production in Thailand" and Dr. Neung Teaumroong, also of Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand, delivered a paper titled "12 year Biofertilizer Research in Thailand, from genes to farmers". Dr. Takuji Ohyama of Niigata University, Japan, presented a talk on " 15 N Analysis by Emission Spectrometry" and Mr. Shotaro Ando of National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Japan, gave a lecture on " Endophytic Nitrogen Fixation: the Third Plant-Microbe System of Nitrogen Fixation ".

Session III: The Future of Biofertilizer in Asia -Strategies for Extension of Biofertilizer Use

Lead-off Speech was delivered by Dr. Nantakorn Boonkerd followed by presentations on "Strategies for Extension of Biofertilizer Use" by Indonesia , Japan , Korea , Malaysia , the Philippines , Thailand and Vietnam . Prof. Dr. Abdul Aziz ( Bangladesh ) presented a special lecture on "Current Status of Biofertilizer in Bangladesh ". The points discussed and agreed upon are as follows:

The future of biofertilizers very much depends on the farmers or end-users, who have to see the benefits of biofetilizers, e.g. increased crop yield, sustainable agriculture, environment-friendly and cost-effective. The group agrees upon consistency on the accepted terminology of "biofertilizers". Strategies for extension of biofertilizer use include continuous education to farmers, extension workers, students and the general public. The FNCA Biofertilizer Manual, or its localised versions, could be used as one of the training materials. In addition to hands-on training and courses, education may be through public awareness programs, e.g. exhibition, demonstration, and dissemination of information through the print and broadcast media. Producing high quality biofertilizers with acceptable standards more available to the end-users, and providing special value and status to agricultural produces which use biofertilizers, will make biofertilizers more attractive, especially when the public is becoming familiar with the concept of "Organic Farming". Research on improvement of biofertilizer products, exploration of new biofertilizer microorganisms should be continued. Continuous support from the government is essential for the survival of the biofertilizer industry, especially in promoting the virtues of biofertilizers, and providing support and funding of biofertilizer research. Improved international cooperation and networking among biofertilizer proponents is also important for the future of biofertilizers in this region.

Session IV: Comparison on Effects of Sterilization of Biofertilizer Carriers by Irradiation and Autoclaving

Presentations on "Comparison on Effects of Sterilization of Biofertilizer Carriers by Irradiation and Autoclaving" were made by Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Advantages of sterilization of carrier by irradiation discussed and agreed upon are summarized as follows, and supporting data is provided in Attachment III.

Sterilization of carriers is important for the maintenance of biofertilizer quality. There are many methods for sterilization. In this workshop, irradiation and autoclave methods were compared. The results are as follows:

• Irradiation
  1. Positive effects
     No drastic change in chemical and physical properties, suitable for mass production, less time consuming, less labour, suitable for various forms of carrier materials, complete sterilization at proper doses, simple handling of the carriers, enhanced survival rate for Rhizobium
  2. Negative effects
     High cost for new equipment, transportation cost, needs expertise and regulation for radiation facilities
• Autoclaving
  1. Positive effects
     Cheaper and complete sterilization for small scale production, easy to operate, low maintenance cost and ease of accessibility
  2. Negative effects
     Time and labour-consuming on mass production, possibility of change in chemical and physical properties of carrier materials

Irradiation sterilization is a viable alternative method to autoclaving. Irradiation is suitable for mass sterilization. The irradiation method will be gradually accepted with increasing acceptance of quality control on bioferilizers. Detailed studies are needed to determine the effects of irradiation on the biotic and abiotic properties of carriers.

Session V: Strategies for Practical Application of Biofertilizer Carriers Sterilized by Irradiation

Keynote speech on "Radiation Application to Bioindustry" was delivered by Dr. Issay Narumi of Japan Atomic Energy Agency followed by presentations on "Strategy for Practical Application of Sterilized Carrier by Irradiation" by Indonesia , Korea , Malaysia , the Philippines , Thailand and Vietnam . The points discussed and agreed upon are summarized as follows and the details are provided in Attachment IV.

The main constraints for some participating countries are the inaccessibility to irradiation facilities and inconvenience to biofertilizer producers/manufacturers, which include high transportation cost, and where there is no commercial multi-purpose irradiation facility ( Thailand and Vietnam ). There is still limited information on irradiation sterilization for biofertilizer producers/manufacturers to embark on commercial scale biofertilizer production with sterilized carriers. Currently, there is still limited research on practical application of carriers sterilized by irradiation.

The following strategies are proposed;

1. Preparation of comprehensive information including benefits on use of biofertilizers and of irradiation sterilization, to be submitted to the policy makers for decision on national program on irradiation sterilization on biofertilizer carriers by 60 Co gamma irradiation or Electron Beam irradiation facilities
2. Increasing dissemination of information on biofertilizers through brochures, manuals, DVD, TV, radio and websites in native languages to producers, consumers and policy makers
3. Conducting practical demonstration by producers/manufacturers and extension agencies to farmers and the public
4. Providing examples from countries having successful programs on biofertilizer production and application.

Session VI: Evaluation and Future Perspective

Project Evaluation agreed upon by the participants is given in Attachment V .

"Future perspective of FNCA Biofertilizer project" was proposed and agreed upon by the participants as follows:

In Asia , sustainable agriculture is essentially important to support increasing population. Agro-environment is drastically changed by climate and intensive agronomic practices from improper and injudicious use of chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals; and hence, beneficial microorganisms are needed for sustainable agriculture. Gamma or Ion Beam radiation methods are proposed to be utilized for the development of new functional microorganisms for sustainable agriculture. The following topic is proposed for the future project by revising the present biofertilizer project;

Title: Development of new functional microorganisms for sustainable agriculture

Definition of "functional microorganisms" means microorganisms with more effective symbiotic and non-symbiotic properties, tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses, with the abilities to promote plant growth and control plant pathogens.

Plan 1: Selection of functional microorganisms in agriculture

• Mutation breeding of functional microorganisms by irradiation
  -- Symbiotic and non-symbiotic microorganisms such as Rhizobium , Azospirillum, mycorrhiza, PGPR, antagonistic microorganisms for plant diseases, etc.
• The use of isotope techniques to evaluate effectiveness of functional microorganisms

Plan 2: Irradiation sterilization of carriers for microorganisms

• Establishment of suitable sterilization methods for carriers
• Practical application of carriers sterilized by gamma and electron beam irradiation

Technical Visits

1. Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center

   The center concentrates on studies and experimentation in search of development models suitable for watershed areas in the north of Thailand , to enhance conservation and development of forest, soil and water, as well as agricultural development. This center has 10 sections, as follows: 1) Water source development study, 2) Forest research and development, 3) Land development study, 4) Study and development of crop cultivation, 5) Study and development of intensive farming, 6) Livestock and dairy cattle research and development, 7) Study and development of fishery, 8) Conservation and development of frog farming, 9) Implementation of work in the villages encompassing the center and 10) Study and development of vetiver grass utilization. Biofertilizer use at the centre include the application of Rhizobium biofertilizer and bio-organic fertilizers on some plants.

2. Biofertilizer factory, Chiang Mai University

   At Chiang Mai University , we visited the biofertilizer factory, originally established for the production of Rhizobium biofertilizer. The carrier was sterilized by autoclaving. The bio-organic fertilizer for vegetable soybean contains nitrogen fixing bacteria such as Azotobacter and Beijerinckia , phosphate solubilizer ( Aspergillus sp.) and potassium solubilizer ( Bacillus sp.). The bio-organic fertilizer was produced by mixing the compost with rock phosphate 15%, phosphate solubilizer, feldspar (potassium source), then mixed with Bacillus sp. and nitrogen fixing bacteria in liquid form. The mixture was incubated for 1 month, and later made into granules (size 3-5 mm.) through preparation on a rotating bed and pelleting machine. The bio-organic fertilizer is packed in polythene bags at 5 kg/bag, which can be used for 1 square metre (13 ton/ha) for vegetables, fruit trees, and flowers.

   The Minutes were discussed and agreed upon by all participants in the workshop. This will be reported at the Eighth FNCA Coordinators Meeting to be held in February 2007 in Tokyo , Japan .

Attachments:

1. Program
2. Participants List
3. Comparison on Effects on Sterilization of Biofertilizer Carriers by Irradiation and Autoclaving
4. Strategies for Practical Application of Biofertilizer Carriers Sterilized by Irradiation
5. Evaluation Report

Participants List of FNCA 2006 Workshop on Biofertilizer

INDONESIA

JAPAN

KOREA

MALAYSIA

THAILAND

The Philippines

Viet Nam

[Observer]

Bangladesh

Observer: