When innovation is intertwined with Mother Nature’s best-kept secret the result is phenomenal. Several organic substrates including coconut coir and vermicompost were combined with mycorrhizae, an environmentally friendly fungus, to produce a potent growing medium.

“Soil health is crucial for the successful cultivation of crops. NAREI has been promoting sustainable soil management practices to ensure that the long term productivity of our soils. The use of mycorrhiza to enhance plant growth and development is currently being pursued,” said Dr. Oudho Homenuath, Soil Chemist and CEO of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

What are Mycorrhizae?

Mycorrhizae are a fungus that colonises root systems of host plants. It assists the plants to absorb more water and nutrients whilst the plants, in turn, provide the fungus with carbohydrates. The fungi have been credited for the dense botanical life of rainforests that do not benefit from agronomic practices.

S-SOWMIX
Following years of research dating back to 2014, NAREI was able this year to produce S-SOWMIX (Seedling-Soil Organic Waste Mixture). The successful result of this research is expected to be a viable alternative to the imported commercial potting mixture. Already, several local farmers are utilizing the potting mixture.

According to NAREI’s Research Assistant Foyleann Van Klaveren, who experimented, the study sought to develop a potting mixture that allows seeds to germinate. The mixture is lightweight, low bulk density; has high water holding capacity; high nutrient retention; and contains Mycorrhizae to improve the overall growth of plants.

The inclusion of mycorrhiza in agriculture to boost farm production and expertise in this field is limited in Guyana and the Caribbean. However, in light of climate change, the push for sustainable agricultural practices and the need for zero hunger this fungus could play an integral part of the solution.

“Seedling requires care and attention like nutrient, water etc. Mycorrhiza will be the booster at this critical point of production so that when planted out in the field it will be able to withstand harsh effects of Climate change and other environmental issues,” Van Klaveren said.

Product Patent 
According to Dr. Homenauth, “This product is intended to replace similar substrates which are currently being imported. The product will be patented shortly as it was developed by the Institute. This will also be another source of income generation for the Institute.”
Mycorrhiza has widespread use in agricultural systems as they facilitate plant nutrient and water uptake by inoculating plant roots. The success of crop growth, in terms of establishment as well as future performance, is heavily dependent on the quality of the seedling used, thus, attention needs to be paid to raise healthy seedlings that will ultimately provide higher yield, and during seedling stage Inorganic fertilizers are applied to increase seedling growth to overcome deficiencies.

The potting mixture is available at NAREI for sale. Large quantities could be made available within two days of order. The institute is selling 60 litres of the soil substrate for only $10,000.