6.1 Application Timing and Methods

Scope: Nursery & Field Application
Products Covered: Biogrow, Mycoboost, VitaSoil, EcoZyme, BioKelp
Crop Focus: Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) and general crops
Qualification Level: TESDA NC I

I. GENERAL APPLICATION PRINCIPLES (ALL PRODUCTS)

✔ Apply when soil is moist but not waterlogged
✔ Apply early morning or late afternoon
✔ Avoid application during heavy rain or extreme heat
✔ Reduce or suspend chemical fertilizers when using biofertilizers
✔ Use clean, chlorine-free water (rest tap water 24 hrs)

II. NURSERY APPLICATION (SEEDLINGS & YOUNG PLANTS)

A. Nursery Objectives

  • Rapid root establishment
  • Strong early growth
  • Healthy microbial colonization
  • Reduced transplant shock

1. Biogrow (Nursery)

When to Apply

  • 7–10 days after germination
  • Every 2–3 weeks

How to Apply

  • Soil drench around seedlings
  • Can be mixed with irrigation water

Suggested Rate

  • 10–20 ml per 10 L water

Expected Result
✔ Improved seedling vigor
✔ Balanced early nutrition

2. Mycoboost (Nursery)

When to Apply

  • At pricking-out or potting
  • Once only (early stage)

How to Apply

  • Root-zone drench
  • Apply directly to potting media

Suggested Rate

  • 5–10 ml per 10 L water

Expected Result
✔ Stronger root system
✔ Enhanced nutrient uptake

⚠️ Do not mix with fungicides.

3. VitaSoil (Nursery)

When to Apply

  • Before seed sowing
  • During potting mix preparation

How to Apply

  • Mix with potting media
  • Light soil drench

Suggested Rate

  • 10–15 ml per 10 L water

Expected Result
✔ Living potting soil
✔ Higher microbial activity

4. EcoZyme (Nursery)

When to Apply

  • When using compost-based potting media
  • During compost preparation

How to Apply

  • Spray onto compost or potting mix

Suggested Rate

  • 5–10 ml per 10 L water

Expected Result
✔ Faster decomposition
✔ Better nutrient availability

5. BioKelp (Nursery)

When to Apply

  • After transplanting
  • During stress periods

How to Apply

  • Foliar spray or soil drench

Suggested Rate

  • 5–10 ml per 10 L water

Expected Result
✔ Reduced transplant shock
✔ Improved root and shoot growth

III. FIELD APPLICATION (PLANTATION & ORCHARD)

A. Field Objectives

  • Soil rehabilitation
  • Root expansion
  • Stress tolerance
  • Preparation for resin induction

1. VitaSoil (Field)

When to Apply

  • Land preparation
  • Start of rainy season

How to Apply

  • Soil drench
  • Broadcast then irrigate

Suggested Rate

  • 1–3 L per hectare

Expected Result
✔ Reactivated soil life
✔ Improved soil resilience

2. EcoZyme (Field)

When to Apply

  • After mulching
  • After compost or manure application

How to Apply

  • Spray over organic matter
  • Follow with light irrigation

Suggested Rate

  • 0.5–2 L per hectare

Expected Result
✔ Faster nutrient release
✔ Improved soil structure

3. Biogrow (Field)

When to Apply

  • Early rainy season
  • Active vegetative growth

How to Apply

  • Soil drench around tree base
  • Can be fertigated

Suggested Rate

  • 1–2 L per hectare

Expected Result
✔ Improved nutrient uptake
✔ Sustained growth

⚠️ Reduce nitrogen inputs after year 3 (agarwood).

4. Mycoboost (Field)

When to Apply

  • At planting
  • Early establishment (once only)

How to Apply

  • Root-zone drench
  • Apply into planting hole

Suggested Rate

  • 500 ml–1 L per hectare

Expected Result
✔ Deep, extensive root systems

⚠️ Avoid fungicides 7–14 days before and after application.

5. BioKelp (Field)

When to Apply

  • After transplanting
  • During drought, heat, pruning, or inoculation recovery

How to Apply

  • Foliar spray (preferred)
  • Soil drench if needed

Suggested Rate

  • 1–2 L per hectare

Expected Result
✔ Enhanced stress tolerance
✔ Faster recovery

IV. AGARWOOD-SPECIFIC APPLICATION TIMELINE

Tree StageRecommended Products
NurseryBiogrow + Mycoboost + VitaSoil
TransplantingBioKelp + Mycoboost
Year 1–2Biogrow + VitaSoil
Year 3+VitaSoil (maintenance)
Pre-inoculationVitaSoil + EcoZyme
Post-inoculationBioKelp (recovery)

V. APPLICATION METHODS SUMMARY

MethodSuitable Products
Soil drenchBiogrow, VitaSoil, Mycoboost
Foliar sprayBioKelp
Compost activationEcoZyme
Root-zone applicationMycoboost

VI. SAFETY & HANDLING

✔ Wear gloves during mixing
✔ Do not mix with strong chemicals
✔ Store in cool, shaded area
✔ Shake well before use

VII. COMMON ERRORS TO AVOID

✖ Applying during heavy rain
✖ Using chlorinated water
✖ Mixing with fungicides or bactericides
✖ Over-application expecting faster results

VIII. TESDA NC I PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Learner must demonstrate:

  • Correct timing of application
  • Proper dilution and method
  • Safe handling and storage
  • Monitoring plant and soil response