Products Covered: Biogrow, Mycoboost, VitaSoil, EcoZyme, BioKelp
Qualification Level: TESDA NC I
Crop Focus: Nursery, Plantation, Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.)
I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
- Follow recommended doses – More is not better; biological products work within optimum ranges.
- Dilute in clean, chlorine-free water – Tap water can be left standing 24 hours.
- Apply at correct growth stages – Soil or foliar application depends on product.
- Avoid chemical interference – Do not mix biofertilizers with fungicides, bactericides, or strong acids/alkalis.
- Observe plant response – Adjust future doses based on plant vigor and soil feedback.
II. PRODUCT-SPECIFIC DOSING RATES
| Product | Method | Dose (Nursery) | Dose (Field/Ha) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biogrow | Soil drench / fertigate | 10–20 ml / 10 L water | 1–2 L / ha | Pre-planting, early vegetative growth |
| Mycoboost | Root-zone drench | 5–10 ml / 10 L water | 0.5–1 L / ha | Apply once at transplanting/planting |
| VitaSoil | Soil drench / incorporation | 10–15 ml / 10 L water | 1–3 L / ha | Land prep or degraded soil |
| EcoZyme | Spray over organic matter | 5–10 ml / 10 L water | 0.5–2 L / ha | Compost activation, residue breakdown |
| BioKelp | Foliar spray / soil drench | 5–10 ml / 10 L water | 1–2 L / ha | Stress periods, transplant recovery |
Tips:
- Use 1 L water per tree for small seedlings; scale proportionally for larger trees.
- Apply every 2–3 weeks for nursery seedlings; field applications may be seasonal or at key growth stages.
III. SAFETY MEASURES
A. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Gloves (rubber or nitrile)
- Long sleeves & pants
- Closed shoes or boots
- Safety goggles if splashing possible
B. Handling & Storage
- Store in a cool, dry, shaded area
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Shake well before use
- Do not ingest
- Rinse empty containers and dispose responsibly
C. Mixing Guidelines
- Mix in clean water only
- Do not mix with chlorine bleach or strong chemicals
- Avoid prolonged direct contact
- Prepare only the volume needed for immediate application
IV. ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
✔ Safe for soil microorganisms and earthworms
✔ Non-toxic to beneficial insects
✔ Compatible with organic farming standards
✔ Reduces chemical fertilizer dependency
V. COMMON ERRORS AND RISKS
✖ Over-application → nutrient imbalance, microbial suppression
✖ Application in full sun → foliar burn for BioKelp
✖ Mixing with pesticides → kills beneficial microbes
✖ Using contaminated water → reduces efficacy
✖ Ignoring storage → microbial viability drops
VI. TESDA NC I PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Learner must demonstrate ability to:
- Measure correct doses
- Apply safely in nursery and field
- Wear PPE correctly
- Handle and store products responsibly
- Monitor plant and soil response post-application
VII. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE (FARMER-FRIENDLY)
| Product | Dose | Application Method | PPE Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biogrow | 1–2 L / ha | Soil drench | Gloves |
| Mycoboost | 0.5–1 L / ha | Root-zone drench | Gloves |
| VitaSoil | 1–3 L / ha | Soil incorporation | Gloves |
| EcoZyme | 0.5–2 L / ha | Spray on compost/residue | Gloves, goggles |
| BioKelp | 1–2 L / ha | Foliar spray / soil drench | Gloves, goggles |
This ensures consistent, safe, and effective use of COBI products for sustainable agarwood cultivation and other crops.