Biofertilizers, specifically designed for Aquilaria malaccensis (Agarwood) and aromatic tree cultivation.
Biofertilizers are living microbial formulations that enhance nutrient availability, root development, and overall soil health. Unlike chemical fertilizers, they work biologically by promoting nutrient cycling, symbiotic nitrogen fixation, and mycorrhizal colonization — essential for long-term productivity of Aquilaria malaccensis and other aromatic trees.
1. Importance in Agarwood Cultivation
Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) requires:
- Balanced nutrition for healthy tree growth during the pre-inoculation phase.
- Active soil microbial communities to stimulate root exudates that favor fungal inoculation.
- Sustained organic carbon and mineral balance to optimize resin induction post-inoculation.
Biofertilizers support these requirements by enhancing nutrient uptake, improving tree vigor, and preparing the host tree for inoculation and resin production.
2. Biofertilizer Formulation Line
| Product Name | Microbial Composition / Key Components | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Crown BioGrow™ | Azotobacter, Rhizobium, Bacillus subtilis | Nitrogen fixation, root and shoot growth enhancement |
| Crown MycoBoost™ | Glomus spp., Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens | Mycorrhizal colonization, pathogen suppression, phosphorus solubilization |
| Crown VitaSoil™ | Actinomycetes, Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), humic acid | Improves soil fertility, structure, and moisture retention |
| Crown Ecozyme™ | Enzymatic fermentate of molasses, kelp extract, and amino acids | Stimulates soil microflora and promotes early plant vigor |
| Crown BioKelp™ (Liquid Foliar) | Seaweed extract, amino acids, beneficial microbes | Promotes leaf chlorophyll, stress resistance, and balanced nutrient uptake |
3. Mechanisms of Action
- Nitrogen Fixation – Converts atmospheric N₂ into plant-available forms (NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻).
- Phosphorus Solubilization – Makes insoluble soil phosphates available to roots.
- Mycorrhizal Symbiosis – Extends root absorption surface area for water and micronutrients.
- Microbial Antagonism – Protects roots from soil-borne pathogens.
- Plant Growth Regulation – Produces natural auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins.
- Carbon Cycling – Increases organic matter decomposition, improving soil structure.
4. Application Guidelines for Aquilaria malaccensis
| Growth Phase | Product & Method | Rate & Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Seedling Stage (nursery) | Crown BioGrow™ + MycoBoost™ (soil drench) | 10 mL/L every 10 days |
| Transplanting (field) | VitaSoil™ (basal mix) | 500 g/plant mixed with compost |
| Establishment Phase (1–2 yrs) | Ecozyme™ + BioKelp™ (foliar) | 10 mL/L every 2 weeks |
| Pre-Inoculation (Year 3–4) | BarIno FusaTrinity™ | Apply per inoculation hole or drip system |
| Post-Inoculation | BioKelp™ (foliar) | 10 mL/L monthly to maintain vigor |
5. Expected Agronomic Benefits
- 25–35% increase in tree height and stem diameter during early growth
- Enhanced root mass and survival rate in field transplanting
- Improved nutrient uptake and soil microbial diversity
- Greater resin yield potential during inoculation stage
- Reduced dependency on chemical fertilizers by up to 70%
6. Production Process
- Microbial Isolation & Culture Maintenance – COBI laboratory maintains pure cultures of beneficial strains.
- Carrier Preparation – Sterilized compost, lignite, or sugar-based carriers are used.
- Inoculation & Fermentation – Controlled aerobic/anaerobic fermentation ensures microbial density ≥10⁸ CFU/g.
- Curing & Quality Testing – Each batch undergoes viability and contamination checks.
- Packaging & Storage – Packed in moisture-proof biodegradable bags or liquid containers with shelf life of 6–12 months.
7. Certification & Compliance
- Organic Certification: Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)
- Environmental Compliance: EMB-DENR (for composting operations)
- Microbial Culture Registry: Bureau of Microbial Resources (for bioinoculants)
- Export Readiness: Compliant with ASEAN and EU organic input standards
8. Future Development
- Nano-biofertilizer line with slow-release micro-nutrients.
- Carbon-labeled biofertilizers for carbon credit programs.
- Blockchain traceability tags for organic fertilizer distribution and certification.