Background:
The soil acidity generally ranges from slightly acidic (pH <6.5) to strongly acidic (pH < 4.5). Plant growth is seriously hampered when the soil acidity exceeds the tolerance limit for crops. A high degree of soil acidity decreases the availability of plant nutrients particularly phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and micro-nutrients. It also adversely affects important soil micro-biological processes and therefore affecting the nutrient cycle. Extensive deficiency of the secondary nutrients such as calcium and magnesium to the extent of 40% and 75%, respectively, in soils warrants immediate correction. Conventionally, fungicides are used to control soil borne fungal pathogens. However, the use of fungicides is known to adversely affect beneficial soil micro-organisms such as bacterial decomposers and mycorrhizal fungi. Such soil micro-organisms are known to play important roles in plant nutrition, soil biology and soil chemistry. The use of fungicides is also known to cause soil and water pollution, besides having hazardous effects on human health. Further, there is a high concern towards the environmental issues arising out of excessive use of chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides.:
Technology details:
Granular lime-based Microbial formulation that mitigates the drawbacks soil acidity and simultaneously delivering beneficial microbes for effective growth and establishment of crops.