Tambayan ng Kaalaman Tungkol sa Pilipinas
Ugat ng Talahib- Abono sa Mais
Isang uri ng bacteria(maliliit na maliliiit na buhay na organismo) ang nakita ng mga siyentipiko( ng National Institute of Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology ng UP Los Banos) sa ugat ng Talahib na maari palang pagkunan ng ng natural na pataba para sa mais.
Rules on the application of chemical fertilizers
For best result, the application of the fertilizers must be done in the right way. To use fertilizer scantily in efforts at thrift only result in harvest poorer than if no fertilizer had been used.
Manner of applying fertilizer and lime
A. Lowland Rice
1. Broadcast the recommended quantity of phosphate with one-half of the nitrogen fertilizer.
Do this before leveling the rice field before transplanting seedlings.
2. Broadcast the remaining half of the nitrogen fertilizer three(3) weeks before the flowering of the play. Do this when the leaves of the play are dry.
Compost in 14 Days
Nutrients in the soil get depleted gradually, so it is necessary to replenish these with fertilizers. Natural fertilizers can be made without expenses, and their use give no harm to the environment.
As farm wastes decompose, the carbon and oxygen that mix together cause the wastes to heat up. Thus, six(6) part of straw and grasses(which are rich in carbon) are mixed with one(1) part nitrogen-rich materials like ipil-ipil, hagonoy, chicken manure and the like.
How to Make A Compost
1. Make the soil firm, and dig a trench around for excess water to flow into.
2. Stack up about six(6) inches high: grass; do not compress.
3. Put over the grass about 1-2 inches thick of animal manure. Urea or ammonium sulfate, about 1-2 kilos may also be used if available.
4. Put one-inch thick of rich soil mixed with wood ashes, lime over the pile.
5. Repeat the process over the pile until about 1 1/2 meters high.
6. Water the pile to make it moist.
7. Thrust a pipe(s) or bamboo pole(s) with holes to allow air to penetrate the bottom of the pile.
8. After three weeks, turn the compost over with the aid of a garden fork. This is easily done by transferring into another pile so that the bottom layer will now be on top, etc.
9. Turn the compost again bottom up after 5 weeks. Wait for 4 weeks more to allow complete composting.
10. In hot weather, the compost must be watered. In rainy days, cover the compost with banana leaves.
11. The pile of compost will be hot. This means that the bacteria in it are working.
12. Composting can also be hastened with a chemical for this purpose.
From: Philippine Farmer’s Journal Supplement