BACKGROUND

The Rapid Composting Technology popularized the use of the microorganism Trichoderma harzianum as a Compost Fungus Activator (CFA) to induce rapid decomposition of agricultural wastes from 6 months.to 4 weeks.

The National Program on Rapid Composting and Use of Compost as Fertilizer has been using the original technique of CFA production. The technique uses sterilized sawdust in combination with other basic ingredients that are inoculated with live Trichoderma h. CFA is commercially packed in one-kilogram polypropylene plastic bags. To date, the program has sold a total of P5,141,089 worth of CFA.

In an effort to improve the production technique & commerciability of CFA, the Department of Science & Technology Regional Office No. IV and the Quezon Agricultural Experiment Station developed Trichoderma CFA in powder form with the following advantages:

• Easy handling, packaging, distribution and marketing;
• Modifiable form and product presentation, i.e., tablet, pellet or powder depending on market specification;
• Enhanced effect, if applied as a slurry, dust, drench solution or as seed coating material, as a biocontrol agent for wilt and damping-off diseases; and
• Increased production efficiency and output of mature Compost at low cost.

• CFA powder is recognized as a good source of pure culture stock and can be packed and stored at ordinary room temperature for 6 months, or in cold storage (15^oC- 20^oC) for 12 months
• CFA powder applied to a compost pile has the same efficacy as CFA in a sawdust carrier.
• Compost product have a favorable C:N ratio of 11.6 and normal NPK level for pure organic fertilizer.

RECOMMENDED RATE OF APPLICATION

One ton of material will require approximately 75 grams of Trichoderma CFA powder. Dissolve 5-10 grams of the powder in a 16 liter capacity knapsack sprayer and apply evenly over the compost materials during the layering or piling process.

APPROXIMATE COST OF PRODUCT = P250/kilogram

For inquiries, please contact us at (049) 536-5013 or at 536-4997 or you can visit us at the Regional Science and Technology Center Building, Jamboree Road, Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna.