Optimising Fertilizer Use: A Sustainable Approach to Reducing Costs and Enhancing Yield in Vegetable Farming

Mr. Chong operates a vegetable farm in Johor, Malaysia, specializing in loofah and cucumber cultivation. He supplies his produce to various buyers and sought a cost-effective solution to reduce fertiliser expenses while increasing crop yields and quality.

Challenges

• High fertiliser costs impacting overall farm profitability.

• Need to develop a self-sustaining fertiliser system.

• Balancing synthetic and microbial fertilisers for optimal soil and plant health.

Solution Implemented

To address these challenges, Mr. Chong adopted a comprehensive fertilisation approach that combined synthetic fertilisers with a fermented chicken manure liquid fertiliser enriched with microbial inoculants. The key components of his strategy included:

1. Custom Fertiliser Development We developed two complementary formulations: a synthetic fertiliser and a microbial fermented chicken manure liquid fertiliser. Both were designed to work in harmony to enhance nutrient delivery and soil health. Mr. Chong was trained to produce microbial fermented chicken manure liquid fertiliser using our proprietary process. The synthetic fertiliser is applied daily, with the microbial fertiliser used every third day in rotation.

2. Black Sand K (General Use) Applied every 10 days as a foliar spray, Black Sand K supports nutrient uptake and boosts microbial activity in the soil, contributing to improved plant vitality.

3. Drip Irrigation Application The fertilisers are efficiently delivered through a drip irrigation system.

4. Optimised Electrical Conductivity (EC) Management Nutrient solution strength is maintained within an EC range of 1–2.4 mS/cm to support optimal nutrient uptake and crop performance.

Results

• 50% Reduction in Fertiliser Costs: By integrating farm-made fertilisers with synthetic inputs, Mr. Chong reduced his fertiliser expenses by half.

• 30% Increase in Yield: The improved nutrient management system led to a significant boost in crop productivity. Despite the larger size of the loofahs, they remained soft and of high quality, showcasing the effectiveness of the nutrient system in enhancing both size and texture.

• Enhanced Soil Health: Regular application of microbial fertilisers improved soil structure, moisture retention, and microbial diversity.

• Efficient Nutrient Delivery: The drip irrigation system ensured precise and consistent nutrient application, minimizing waste and maximizing absorption.

  
  

Conclusion

Mr. Chong's innovative approach to fertiliser management demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating synthetic fertilisers with microbial and organic inputs. His experience showcases a sustainable model that reduces costs while enhancing yield, serving as a valuable reference for other vegetable farmers aiming to optimize their fertilisation practices.