Farmers Promote Composting to Save on Fertilizer Cost

PILI, Camarines Sur, Sept. 9- The Bicol Association of Magsasaka Siyentista (BAMS) is seriously pushing for the modified rapid composting (MRC) technology for environment-friendly and cost-effective farming.

Gerardo Canoy, a farmer leader, said MRC generates savings of about P5,000 on fertilizer costs for every hectare of rice farm.

Canoy is an implementer of the science and technology (S&T)-based demonstration farm here under the Techno Gabay Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Unit (RFU) for Bicol based in this provincial capital.

Canoy revealed that by applying compost fungus activator on rice straws, decomposition takes place between three to four weeks while the texture and water holding capacity of soil is improved.

Pollution on soil and environment is also reduced.

On being more economical in terms of fertilizer usage, Canoy said he saves P5,000 per cropping season-per hectare as MRC allows him to reduce use of commercial fertilizers from three bags to only one bag of urea and complete fertilizer.

Instead of using 1.32 bags of potash fertilizer, he uses 20 bags of chicken manure. (PNA)