Ecoderma: This term typically refers to eco-friendly products or practices that promote sustainable agriculture and environmental health. It may encompass organic farming methods, bio-fertilizers, and biopesticides, aimed at reducing chemical inputs and enhancing soil and plant health.
Tricho Compost: Tricho compost is a type of compost that incorporates the beneficial fungus Trichoderma. Trichoderma is a naturally occurring microorganism in the soil that acts as a biocontrol agent, combating soil-borne pathogens and enhancing plant growth. The compost made with Trichoderma not only serves as an organic fertilizer but also as a natural pesticide.
Benefits of Trichoderma
- Soil Health:
- Trichoderma increases soil fertility and improves soil structure.
- Enhances water retention capacity of the soil.
- Plant Health:
- Acts as a biopesticide, protecting plants from soil-borne diseases.
- Stimulates plant growth and increases crop yield.
- Environmental Benefits:
- Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Promotes sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.
- Cost Savings:
- Lowers production costs by reducing the need for chemical inputs.
- Enhances the quality and quantity of crops, increasing farmer income.
How to Make Tricho Compost
Materials Needed:
- Three brick-cement rings (3 feet in diameter)
- Polythene sheet
- Organic materials: cow dung, wood powder, chicken droppings, water hyacinth, ash, neem leaves
- Trichoderma powder
- Molasses (chitagur)
- Broken corn
- Optional: tobacco powder, neem cloves, bone powder
Steps:
- Setup:
- Place the three brick-cement rings on a polythene sheet to prevent waterlogging.
- Drill small holes at the bottom of the rings for drainage.
- Mixing Ingredients:
- Combine the following in a 1-ton mixture:
- 1 kg of Trichoderma
- 1 kg of molasses
- Maize flour
- Other organic materials (cow dung, wood powder, chicken droppings, etc.)
- Layering:
- Layer the mixture inside the rings.
- Add water to maintain moisture levels, but avoid waterlogging.
- Covering:
- Cover the setup with a tin shed or similar material to protect from rain and excessive sunlight.
- Aeration:
- Stir the mixture every four to five days to ensure proper aeration and to prevent gas buildup.
- Maturation:
- After 40-45 days, the compost will be ready for use.
Collection of Lysate:
- Create a small hole at the side of the setup to collect any liquid (lysate) that drains out. This liquid can be used as a pesticide.
Advantages of Tricho Compost
- Enhanced Soil Fertility:
- Increases the population of beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
- Improves soil texture and structure.
- Water Conservation:
- Increases the soil’s water-holding capacity, reducing irrigation needs.
- Disease Control:
- Controls soil-borne diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Nutrient Availability:
- Provides essential nutrients to plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers by 30-40%.
- Environmental Impact:
- Reduces chemical runoff and pollution, promoting a healthier ecosystem.
- Economic Benefits:
- Decreases input costs and increases crop yields, improving farmer profitability.
Conclusion
The use of Trichoderma and Tricho compost is an effective and sustainable way to enhance agricultural productivity while maintaining soil health and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Expanding training and awareness among farmers about the benefits and production of Tricho compost can significantly contribute to sustainable agriculture practices in Bangladesh and similar regions.