Bio fertilizer development incorporating nuclear technologies - Challenges and potentials to the industry. In: RnD Seminar 2010: Research and Development Seminar 2010, 12-15 Oct 2010, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi. (Unpublished) (2010)
Abstract
The development of biofertilizer products, which involve incorporation of known microorganisms with
desired functions, requires sterilisation of the carriers or substrates. Conventional sterilisation method
using heat treatment or autoclaving has its limitations, especially in mass production of biofertilizers.
The Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) through its Biofertilizer Project Group encourages the
use of gamma irradiation for carrier sterilisation, capitalising on the quality of the final products
following proper sterilisation. Gamma irradiation at doses of 30 to 50 kGy were found suitable for
sterilisation, depending on the carrier materials. More deliberation is needed for biofertilizer companies
far away from the gamma irradiation facilities to utilise gamma irradiation services for their biofertilizer
carriers, on aspects of cost of transportation, sterilisation, storage and convenience of use. Evaluation of
biofertilizer products on crops in the field need to be conducted. Several isotope-aided trials have been
conducted to evaluate nutrient use efficiency of several formulations of Nuclear Malaysia biofertilizer
products, involving vegetable and herbal crops, with varying results. The paper highlights trials in
Nuclear Malaysia and Cameron Highlands. Presently, product evaluation is limited to use of the stable
isotope, nitrogen-15, in particular when considering radiation safety in field trials. Having joint trials
involving potential end users is still a challenge.
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Speech) |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Biofertilizer microorganisms, Product quality, Radiation sterilisation, Isotopic tracer technique, Feld evaluation |
| Taxonomy: | By Subject > Applied Sciences > Biology By Subject > Applied Sciences > Chemistry |
| Local Content Hub: | Subjects > Applied Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Mohd Ismail Zanudin |
| Date Deposited: | 27 Jul 2020 21:41 |
| Last Modified: | 27 Jul 2020 21:41 |
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