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| One of the Team of Rhizovit Biofertilizer Innovation (Photo: Special) |
Bio-fertilizer has various benefits to help plant growth. The plant's need for nutrients in the soil is usually specific, so plant-based fertilizers are developed with particular properties and contents. This is utilized by the lecturers of the Agrotechnology Study Program, Fakultas Peternakan Pertanian (FPP) (trans: Faculty of Animal Husbandry), by innovating biological fertilizers, especially for dry land or land that is short of water.
Dr. Ir. Ali Ikhwan, M.P., one team member, explained that this fertilizer was named Hayati rhizovit. This name is also reflected in the many benefits and ingredients capable of producing osmoprotectants that increase plant resistance to drought. Also, some hormones can stimulate plant growth. It also has compounds that can function as organic pesticides to stop pest attacks on plants.
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"This research focuses on dry land. Especially considering that the dry land area in Indonesia reaches around 150 million hectares. This number is much wider than land that has good irrigation technique waters, "said Ali.
He explained that currently, many researchers are only focusing on aquatic land. However, other aspects can be developed and researched. One of them is dry land. This research targets corn fields.
Regarding the finances, Ali and the team received funding from the National Research and Innovation Agency for three years. This fertilizer is also currently in the process of being patented. Then it is distributed to the farmers in Indonesia—especially those who have problems on dry land.
"We started this research in 2020. There are many partners we have collaborated with. Likewise with farmer groups. Some have tried to use this fertilizer while waiting for the patent to be issued," he continued.
Based on research, the field of corn production using Hayati rhizovit fertilizers has increased by up to 90 percent. This fertilizer is issued in the form of granules and liquid. The goal is for the farmers to have a choice, considering that not all fertilizers in liquid form can be shipped throughout Indonesia.
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Hayati Rhizovit-fertilizer also has a lower production cost. That's because the fertilizer is more effective and efficient. Both from the material aspect to production costs. I and several parties involved in this research can provide benefits. One of them is providing more profits for corn farmers with affordable fertilizer prices," he concluded. (put/wil)
