Hanoi, Vietnam, 3 December 2024 - The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development -Plant Protection Department (MARD-PPD), in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), conducted a workshop on Innovative Fertilizers and Microbial-Inoculants for Better Soil Health. Various representatives from MARD agencies, academic institutions, the private sector, international organizations, and other stakeholders, particularly from the Mekong River Delta and Red River Delta, joined the workshop to discuss how to improve rice quality, reduce carbon emissions, and increase the economic value of rice, rice straw, and carbon credits through innovative fertilizers.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Nghiem Quang Tuan, Vice Director General of the Plant Protection Department, emphasized the need to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. He pointed out that excessive fertilizer use increases costs, harms the environment, and contributes to climate change.
Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, a senior scientist at IRRI, highlighted the Fertilize Right (FerRight) Project's soil, fertilizer, and cultivation management database. This database, combined with row sowing and fertilization technology, aims to increase nutrient use efficiency. Dr. Hung emphasized the importance of related and supporting technologies, such as mechanized sowing, precision agriculture, organic fertilizers from straw, and improved fertilizers. He stressed the need for active participation from various stakeholders, including ministries, institutes, schools, and private enterprises. Additionally, capacity building and behavioral change among farmers and managers are crucial.
One of the notable solutions introduced at the workshop is biochar, a carbon-rich solid that enhances soil microorganisms, regulates carbon and nitrogen cycles, improves water retention, and improves soil structure. Dr. Leslie Honicker, a USDA agronomist, discussed soil health challenges, including salinity, pH imbalance, microbial imbalance, pollution, and nutrient toxicity. She highlighted biochar's ability to increase fertilizer efficiency, chlorophyll content, crop yield, and its role in improving soil fertility.
Local experts from different government agencies, academic institutes, and private companies, particularly from the Mekong River Delta and Red River Delta, presented innovative fertilizers for rice production and biological products in Vietnam. New-generation fertilizers, such as organic, slow-release, controlled-release, nano-fertilizers, and bio-products, are expected to optimize nutrient use efficiency under various growing conditions. These fertilizers can improve crop yields and reduce carbon emissions in rice cultivation, promoting sustainable agriculture. Developing new fertilizers can enhance fertilizer use efficiency for diverse crops and agroecological conditions.
In his special message, Mr. Ralph Bean, US Agriculture Counselor to Vietnam, shared the initial findings of the FerRight project. The team has developed a database of innovative fertilizers, conducted field experiments to determine optimal fertilizer application rates, and created tools to support farmers adopting sustainable soil nutrient management practices.
The workshop culminated with group discussions on three key topics: organic and biological fertilizers, including biostimulants; innovative fertilizers, such as controlled-release and nano-fertilizers; and microbial systems and biological products for straw decomposition.
The collaboration between the MARD-PPD, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and IRRI aims to address immediate challenges and lay the foundation for future research. The FerRight project will continue to promote research, improve support tools, and strengthen connections with farmers and stakeholders to advance sustainable agricultural practices.
This workshop is part of the FerRight Project of the United States Department of Agriculture, which aims to enhance soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and boost farmers' income. The FerRight project provides farmers with practical guidance and encourages advanced fertilizers' adoption. The project's primary goal is to optimize fertilizer use efficiency and effectiveness.
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