Characteristics and Correct Use of Liquid Microbial Fertilizers

Liquid microbial fertilizer refers to fertilizer that uses liquid as a carrier, contains beneficial active microorganisms and their metabolites, and can be combined with nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, humic acid or seaweed extract. It has the dual function of supplying nutrients and improving soil microecology. Common functional bacteria include Bacillus subtilis, rhizobia, phosphate-solubilizing and potassium-solubilizing bacteria, and photosynthetic bacteria.

Compared with solid microbial fertilizer, the liquid formulation is more convenient for flushing application, drip irrigation, root dipping and foliar spraying. The bacterial strains can colonize the crop rhizosphere relatively quickly, help the roots absorb nutrients, activate and loosen the soil, and to a certain extent suppress some soil-borne problems. However, its effects are relatively mild and are greatly affected by temperature, humidity and soil organic matter content, so continuous use is usually required before more obvious changes can be seen.

Divided by function, common types include nitrogen-fixing bacterial agents, phosphate-solubilizing and potassium-solubilizing bacterial agents, disease-preventing and growth-promoting bacterial agents, and compound microbial fertilizers containing multiple bacterial strains. When purchasing, pay attention to product registration information and the number of effective viable bacteria, check whether it is within the shelf life, and avoid buying products with swollen packaging, obvious stratification or an unusual odor.

Application should preferably be carried out in the morning, in the evening or on cloudy days, avoiding periods of high temperature and strong light. Liquid microbial fertilizer generally should not be mixed with fungicides at the same time, nor directly mixed with high-concentration chemical fertilizers, so as to avoid inactivation of the viable bacteria. After opening, it should be used up as soon as possible, and unopened products should be stored in a cool, dark place. At the same time, note that it focuses on nourishing the soil and promoting growth and cannot completely replace conventional chemical fertilizers; using it together with organic fertilizer gives better results.