Productivity of Lowland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) as Affected by the Integration of Nutrio® Biofertilizer

Authors

Emil John Cabrera, Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship, College of Economics and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna 4031 PhilippinesFollow
Cathrene Amante, Technology Transfer and Business Development Office, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna 4031 Philippines
Virginia Padilla, National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna 4031 Philippines

Publication Date

6-1-2025

Abstract

Recent developments in rice cultivation in the Philippines are integrating sustainable methods in production systems to boost productivity and safeguard environmental integrity. An example of this is the use of biofertilizers such as Nutrio^®, a microbial-based foliar fertilizer that promotes nitrogen fixation and the production of plant growth-promoting hormones. Nutrio^® has been tested for sugarcane and is being explored for rice cultivation applications to maximize its utilization and benefits. This study aimed to assess the effects of Nutrio^® biofertilizer on rice production in selected farms during the 2019 wet season and the 2020 dry season in Victoria, Laguna, Philippines. Six different treatments were applied over 2 growing seasons. The parameters measured were plant height, panicle number, biomass at maturity, grain yield, and harvest index. The cost-benefit ratio (CBR) and net present value (NPV) were also calculated. Plants applied with Nutrio^® showed a comparable performance to untreated plants across various parameters and seasons, with no significant differences observed. Moreover, the highest NPV of PH₱939,346.90 was obtained by combining half of the farmer’s recommended rate of fertilizer with Nutrio^®, indicating that this is the most profitable among the tested treatments. These findings highlight the potential of Nutrio^® in enhancing current farming practices and improving local rice production.

Recommended Citation

Cabrera, Emil John; Amante, Cathrene; and Padilla, Virginia (2025) "Productivity of Lowland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) as Affected by the Integration of Nutrio® Biofertilizer," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 108: No. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol108/iss2/4