A Guide to the Different Types of Biostimulants

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

With the increased requirement for food supply, biostimulants have become one of the most commonly used stimulants in the agriculture industry.

With their recent popularity, traditional stimulants such as fertilizers and pesticides can be easily replaced due to the biostimulant’s unique method of influencing growth and development in more than one way.

Compared to traditional fertilizers, biostimulants offer much more potential growth by improving yields and crop quality.

Recent studies indicate that nearly 40% of the world’s agricultural soils are degraded due to intensive farming practices and excessive chemical use (FAO, 2021). Moreover, the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 (UN, 2022), further increasing the strain on agricultural productivity. To meet this rising demand, sustainable solutions like biostimulants are becoming essential.

According to a recent report from the European Biostimulants Industry Council, biostimulants can enhance crop yields by 15–25% while reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture. As a result, the global biostimulant market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.1% from 2023 to 2030 (Grand View Research, 2023).

This growing recognition of biostimulants underscores their importance in improving nutrient uptake, boosting plant resilience, and supporting sustainable farming practices.

But Is Replacing a Traditional Fertilizer Necessary? Aren’t They Suitable for Crop and Yield?

Fertilizers seem to improve crop production and yield as they contain essential ingredients such as Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are suitable for plants.

Still, it has many disadvantages; excessive use of fertilizers can hamper soil fertility by increasing salinity and polluting the groundwater table.

Traditional fertilizers are categorized into two categories: Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers.

1. Inorganic fertilizers

This type of fertilizer contains chemicals that can help boost the development of crops.

Below are a few examples of the kinds of Inorganic fertilizers:

  • Nitrogen Fertilizers: Nitrogen-based fertilizer’s key ingredient is Nitrogen, which helps improve the quality and the quality of the crops. It helps maintain a balance in the process of photosynthesis.
  • Phosphorus Fertilizers: Phosphorus-based fertilizer contains phosphorus. Phosphorus plays a vital role in cell growth and proliferation and is beneficial for the development of roots of plants.

2. Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are natural fertilizers obtained from plants and animals that enrich the soil with enhanced organic carbon and nitrogen content, which help promote the reproduction of microorganisms.

So, What Are the Disadvantages of Chemical Fertilizers and Organic Fertilizers?

Even though the critical ingredients in fertilizers are highly beneficial for crops and yield, they can be equally harmful to the health of the plants and people to consume.

They can be pretty expensive and cause immense damage to the plants if they’re excessively used.

If the fertilizers reach river water, too many plants can grow on the water’s surface and create an issue for marine life.

The long-term use of fertilizers can also affect the pH levels of the soil and reduce microbial activity, resulting in damaged crops.

So, How Are Some of the Ingredients in Biostimulants Beneficial for Plant Growth?

Some of the ingredients in biostimulants are seaweed extracts, amino acids, fulvic acid, and humic acids.

  1. Seaweed extracts: Biostimulants that consist of seaweed extracts are used for horticultural crops to promote plant growth and build tolerance against abiotic stresses. Seaweed extracts come in three different colours, which are green, brown, and red. The brown seaweed extracts include chemicals such as complex polysaccharides, mineral nutrients, fatty acids, vitamins, and phytohormones.
  2. Amino Acids: Biostimulants with Amino acids help stimulate chlorophyll concentration so the plants can absorb higher levels of photosynthesis.
  3. Fulvic and humic acids: Biostimulants with ingredients such as Fulvic and humic acids improve nutrient uptake and tolerance to abiotic stresses by stimulating the roots.
  4. Complex Biostimulants: The third type of biostimulants combines all the sources that positively impact germination, root development, and chlorophyll production. The most recent practice going on in the agricultural industry is the use of Microbial Biostimulants, which are unknown to many farmers.

These stimulants help introduce non-pathogenic bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and other soil microorganisms.

Biostimulants are made using natural/synthetic substances; they can be applied to crops/plants.

They stimulate the natural process of the plant by enhancing its natural nutrient uptake and tolerance to abiotic stresses, which improves the quality of the crop.

There are many Microbial biostimulant products in the current market, but one of the best is Organica’s MagicGro range of products.

They not only help condition the soil but also avoid any possible pest invasion.

The unique development using microbial and natural ingredients also promotes farmers to practise sustainable farming and protects our natural resources.

Causes of Pollution in Dal Lake

Posted on by Karen Sam

Dal Lake, one of the largest water bodies in Kashmir and a world-famous tourist attraction, contributes significantly to its economy through tourism, agriculture, and fisheries.

In addition, it has been a major source of food and water for the people residing in the area.

However, pollution in Dal Lake has become a concern in recent times as the water characteristics have drastically changed.

According to a study published by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), the lake has shrunk from 24 sq km in 1859 to just about 11.45 sq km today due to encroachments and silt deposition. Additionally, the lake’s water quality has deteriorated significantly, with high levels of nitrates, phosphates, and other pollutants leading to eutrophication.

Moreover, the unpleasant condition has affected the aesthetic value and has reduced the number of tourists visiting the lake.

A report by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department noted a 30% decline in houseboat bookings in recent years due to worsening water conditions.

Pollutants and contaminants from sources such as sewage, waste from houseboats, animal waste, commercial establishments, and agricultural run-off have deeply impacted the water quality, making it unfit for domestic and reuse purposes.

Urgent and innovative lake cleaning and restoration solutions are needed to preserve Dal Lake.

Pollution in Dal Lake: Some Stats

Various studies have been done in the past to ascertain the impact of pollution in Dal Lake.

According to a research paper published in the International Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research in 2017, the following stats were found:

  • Approximately 9000 metric tonnes of waste, generated from more than 1000 houseboats, is dumped into the lake every year.
  • 18 tonnes of phosphorus and 25 tonnes of nitrogen nutrients from 15 drains are released into the lake.
  • 97,000 kg of sewage is generated in Lokut Dal and Bod Dal, which are two of the Dal lake basins.
  • High BOD levels were found, indicating eutrophication, which affects the aquatic living organisms.

Another report in 2023 stated that nearly 70 million litres of sewage flow into Dal Lake on a daily basis.

Also, around 80,000 tonnes of silt gets deposited into the lake every year.

Additionally, it has been found that lake size has shrunk as a result of sediment deposition.

Oxygen density has reduced, dissolved solids have increased, and water quality assessments on the lake indicate water has changed from bluish-green to hazel due to the high levels of turbidity.

Sources of Pollution in Dal Lake

Pollution in Dal Lake began more than four decades ago due to the growing number of tourists resulting in increased commercialization of the place with the establishment of many hotels and houseboats.

Thus, the amount of waste generated began to rise and new sewage lines were also developed.

The untreated sewage since then has been released into the lake, causing pollution.

Dal Lake is also known to have a permanent floating population of more than 5000 who live in houseboats with their household waste being dumped in the lake.

Plus, it has an enormous floating garden industry, fisheries, weeds for cattle fodder, etc.

The lack of efficiently operational sewage treatment plants has also impacted the quality of effluent, thus polluting the lake.

Solutions for Pollution in Dal Lake

Over the years, several initiatives, and local and governmental measures have been taken as well as committees have been formed to save Dal Lake.

However, the results have been unproductive.

Authorities like the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority LWDA, the state pollution control board, and the local government are continuously working to achieve lake cleaning and restoration goals.

It includes:

  1. To initiate immediate action for examining the possibility of installing holding tanks and bio-digesters to prevent the discharge of sewage by the houseboats into the lake
  2. Lake and Waterways Development Authority to commence immediate finalization of a proposal for installing additional aerators in the lake to raise the dissolved oxygen levels in the stagnant pocket
  3. Installation of Sewage Treatment Plants by hotels nearby

Individuals and groups have also joined hands to protect water bodies from pollution.

Kashmir Eco Watch is one such group that works with volunteers and has many teams working in different districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Another promising solution that can be effective for lake cleaning includes biological treatment through bioremediation.

Bioremediation can be defined as a process in which living microorganisms and enzymes are used to act aggressively on the pollutants and contaminants present in the lakes and decompose them.

Organica Biotech is a leading company with advanced solutions for the bioremediation of lakes and ponds.

Bioclean Pond Clarifier is a biological solution that can reduce organic sediment and particulates and further helps in the inhibition of pathogens, odour elimination, and sludge reduction.

Bioclean Pond Clarifier can help in solving the problem of pollution in Dal Lake and also support lake cleaning and restoration initiatives.

Sanitation and Cultural Beliefs: The Indian Dilemma

Posted on by Kiranjyot

Sanitation is a vital part of human everyday life.

We need to perform our bodily ablutions as a matter of routine, physiological processes to eliminate the waste from our bodies.

Urine and feces are the end products of our metabolism.

It is, however, also very important to properly dispose of this bodily waste for both aesthetic and health reasons.

Properly disposed of feces and urine ensures a clean, odourless environment, as well as prevents diseases due to microbes, like fecal coliform bacteria.

Improperly disposed of waste, on the other hand, will cause a noxious odour and be a breeding ground for diseases.

Therefore, it is important to have proper sanitation facilities for everyone.

Unfortunately, the truth is not at all as the ideal should be. Sanitation in India is in abysmal condition.

According to the 2021 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), nearly 28% of rural households in India still lack access to any form of toilet, forcing millions to practice open defecation. The World Bank estimates that poor sanitation costs India around $53.8 billion annually, impacting health, productivity, and economic growth.

Not everyone is ‘privileged’ enough to have toilet facilities at home.

In fact, studying sanitation in India, which has a population of about 1.46 billion, it is found that 70% of rural households do not have a toilet or latrine.

Recent data indicates significant progress in India’s sanitation efforts, yet challenges persist.

As of the 2024 fiscal year, all districts in India have achieved their Open Defecation Free (ODF) targets, marking a substantial improvement in sanitation coverage since 2016 (Statista, 2024).

However, despite these advancements, approximately one in four rural households still lack access to toilets, underscoring ongoing sanitation challenges (Data for India, 2024).

Now, like healthcare, sanitary toilet facilities are a necessity and not a privilege.

Then why, in India, are so many deprived of it?

To what extent can we blame administrative ineptitude?

Is there another factor at play here, like cultural beliefs related to sanitation, for example?

This is manifested in the failure of government schemes like the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan and the Swacch Bharat Scheme.

Both these campaigns have built plenty of pit latrines in rural areas, but there are two problems with sanitation in India:

  1. Building any number of toilets is futile if they’re not sustainable- that is, they don’t have running water, electricity, and connections to sewerage lines for proper waste disposal. Biotoilets are a better solution in this case.
  2. The responsibility doesn’t end at building toilets but also raising awareness among the local populace with regard to their usage.

Let’s discuss the second point in detail.

The issue of sanitation in India isn’t just one of health or environment, but also a social issue.

There are religious and caste beliefs, especially in India, regarding bodily ablutions and the handling of urine and feces.

It begs a brief discussion of what these beliefs are, why they might be problematic, and why they may be preventing people, especially rural folks, from following proper sanitary practices.

India’s National Family Health Survey 2005 found that only about a fifth of Indian rural households that don’t openly defecate use pit latrines.

In a 2024 survey by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, while 85% of rural households now have access to toilets, behavioral resistance remains a significant challenge, particularly among older generations who have traditionally practiced open defecation. The study highlights that social stigma around handling waste and latrines within homes continues to deter many families from using them despite infrastructure availability.

Studies in recent years have revealed the following about caste and religious equations in rural areas regarding sanitation in India:

  1. Affordable latrines, used in other countries, are seen as physically impure and ritually polluting in India. The continuing practice of untouchability in villages also means that upper castes won’t carry the task of emptying pit latrines, and Dalits, historically expected to be manual scavengers, are emancipating themselves and refusing to clean other people’s messes-literally.
  2. Open defecation, in rural areas where it is widely practiced, is not just socially acceptable but is seen as a wholesome activity associated with health, strength, and masculinity.
  3. Some people see latrines and toilets as ‘ritually impure,’ no matter how clean they’re kept. Sociologist RS Khare explains that the words ‘dirty’ and ‘clean’ have ritualistic connotations.
  4.  Apart from physical ones. There are things that are both ritually polluting and physically unclean, some ritually polluting but physically unclean, and some ritually not polluting but physically unclean. Hindus who own pit latrines see them as shameful objects.
  5. Distaste for latrines has to do with maintaining the ‘purity’ of the home. When people justify open defecation, they’re saying that it’s good to go far from home to defecate- people who do build latrines build it far from home, often. This concern seems anachronistic in light of the fact that often, the elderly, children, and handicapped defecate within the premises of the home or compound, the feces being disposed of by the women of the house.
  6. There is a belief that expensive latrines with large pits or massive underground tanks are not only status symbols but make for better toilets. Latrines with smaller soak pits, on the other hand, are looked down upon.
  7. On the other hand, latrines promoted and built in India are relatively expensive compared to those in other developing nations, e.g., Swachh Bharat toilets are 12000 INR. Plus, people wanting latrines with larger leach pits makes building them much more expensive and, therefore, untenable.
  8. Many people reject latrines because of unfounded concerns about pit emptying. They harbor the misguided belief that government-provided soak pits will fill in within months rather than years, and they don’t want the disgusting, arduous task of pit emptying. They are unaware that mechanical emptying of pits is impractical- pits should only be emptied when the feces become compact. Affordable latrines, often, are built far from where sewage trucks can access them- trucks themselves are expensive to hire. Therefore, soak pits are emptied by hand.
  9. Rural Indians perceive pit emptying to be a problem because of untouchability. Manually touching feces is deigned the most degrading of all tasks, and the onus to carry out this task is placed upon Dalits; and their being ‘ritually polluted’ by this, they are systematically oppressed and ostracized.
  10. Former and present rural sanitation programs have a myopic view that relies on building the maximum number of toilets without bothering to take into account local ethos on sanitation and cleanliness and the reason why, so far, rural folks have continued the practice of open defecation.

A 2024 ethnographic study conducted in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar found that even when toilets are built in rural homes, nearly 30% remain unused due to these deep-rooted cultural taboos. Households prefer using open fields rather than pit latrines, as they believe it ensures purity within their living spaces.

One solution for better sanitation in India would be for the government to start relating rural sanitation drives to a drive to eliminate manual scavenging.

The government can start focusing on the Anti-Manual Scavenging Act, raise questions on the feasibility of dry toilets and the human rights violations, both caste and health-based, to ask people to manually remove human waste.

The health hazards of open defecation must be stressed, and age-old archaic beliefs about sanitation and bodily waste must be eliminated through awareness programs targeted at rural audiences.

The Way Forward

Cultural attitudes toward sanitation are deeply entrenched but sustained behavioral change initiatives, and innovative sanitation solutions can help overcome these challenges.

Bio toilets, for instance, offer a more culturally acceptable and sustainable alternative, as they require minimal maintenance, eliminate manual scavenging, and can be designed in a way that aligns with local traditions.

India’s sanitation revolution needs to go beyond infrastructure—it requires targeted social interventions, education, and continuous engagement with rural communities to transform deeply ingrained beliefs.

Also Read

What Are Natural and Effective Ways of Purifying Lake Water

Posted on by Priyanka Khaire

Water resources are precious for the survival and well-being of all life forms on planet Earth.

Different water resources present on the earth’s surface include oceans, rivers, lakes, ponds, etc.

For common people, lakes are an integral part of life as they are one of the sources of drinking water.

The water from lakes and reservoirs is first treated and supplied to homes.

Lake water is beneficial for various industries as water can be used for different processes.

It also provides the necessary amount of water for farming activities, fish farming, and other human needs.

But there is a caveat.

One of the features associated with lakes is that they are closed.

Therefore, an extensive amount of domestic waste, industrial waste, and agricultural effluents released into this water resource causes lake pollution.

Other sources include garbage accumulation and sewer overflow.

Consequently, the toxic waste, chemicals and harmful bacterial pathogens cause water contamination.

It is estimated that globally, around 90% of wastewater is released into water bodies untreated, contributing significantly to lake pollution (UNESCO, 2024).

It can lead to devastating consequences in the form of diseases and deaths for the human population.

Also, a large amount of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus enrich the lake water, causing eutrophication.

It leads to excessive plant growth, algal blooms, and fish kills in lakes.

It depletes oxygen levels in the lake and disturbs the aquatic ecosystem.

Recent studies indicate that eutrophication now affects over 50% of global lakes, leading to severe biodiversity loss and ecosystem imbalance (Nature, 2024).

The pollution of lakes is a global phenomenon that affects aquatic life.

Plus, the pollution of lakes can cause a foul odour, harmful gas emissions, and mosquito infestation that can disturb the residents nearby.

It is caused due to the accumulation of sludge which is formed when organic materials mix with inorganic materials over a period of time.

Fortunately, the pollution threat can be mitigated using bioremediation, which is found to be a natural, effective, and eco-friendly process.

Bioremediation of Lakes

The living microorganisms like bacteria and fungi are known to metabolize waste present in water.

They are effective in the removal of industrial pollutants as well.

In an ideal scenario and in a healthy environment, bioremediation is a natural process that takes place and assists in lake cleaning.

However, the excessive amount of waste load and degrading natural aquatic environment has affected the performance of natural microbes.

Thus, they are ineffective in nutrient oxidation and unable to degrade sludge.

It is incapable of preventing H2S gas and black muck formation as well.

To overcome this challenge, many have resorted to algaecides and other chemicals.

But there are many disadvantages to using the same.

Some of them include damage to natural microbes and disturbance to natural regulation of nutrient levels.

Thus, there is an urgent need for solutions that can enhance the bioremediation process naturally without harming the environment.

Organica Biotech is one of the leading companies with a natural advanced solution for lake cleaning.

Bioclean Pond Clarifier is one such product that is effective in treating polluted lakes and ponds.

It consists of microbes that accelerate the degradation process and minimize sludge accumulation.

Also, it reduces the nutrient quantity in water, thus preventing eutrophication.

The benefits of Bioclean Pond Clarifier include H2S gas reduction, better water quality, oxygen stabilization, COD/BOD reduction, and much more.

The other major highlight is that as the pollution levels decrease in the lake, the bacterial population automatically reduces and eventually expires or remains dormant.

Plus, it is a completely safe, beneficial, and environmentally friendly method to purify lakes.

Use Bioclean Pond Clarifier for natural and effective lake cleaning.

10 Facts About Organic Farming

Posted on by Jimcy Rajan

To accommodate growing food demand due to the ever-increasing population worldwide, agricultural systems have adopted various unsustainable practices to obtain higher yields.

The global food market is projected to reach approximately US$9.68 trillion by 2025, growing annually by 6.42% from 2025 to 2030.

It includes the extensive use of chemicals.

As a result, multiple global issues have emerged, such as climate change, soil degradation, soil erosion, water and soil pollution, and loss of biodiversity.

While such inputs have significantly boosted crop production, they have also led to environmental concerns. Notably, nitrous oxide emissions, primarily from agricultural fertilizers, have increased by 40% since 1980, contributing to climate change and ozone layer depletion.

Organic farming has emerged as a great alternative that can help in meeting sustainable agriculture and food security goals.

Organic Farming

Organic farming can be understood as a natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly practice of farming in which the output is healthy for the consumers and economically beneficial for the farming communities.

This food production system tries to limit or completely avoid external inputs like pesticides, additives, artificial fertilizers, etc.

Various scientific studies and modern innovations, such as the use of plant growth promoters and biostimulants, have paved the way for the successful adoption of organic farming practices.

Also, agricultural land under organic farming is continuously increasing, although at a slow rate.

Here are 10 Facts about Organic Farming You Should Know

  1. Organic Farming History – It is interesting to note that the movement supporting organic farming began seven decades back in the 1940s against the growing chemical-based farming across the world. Gradually, by the 1970s, the interest in organic farming grew in countries like the US. Today, with more awareness and demand for safe and healthy food, organic farming is growing in popularity worldwide.
  2. Rising Demand – According to the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture – FiBL 2024 report, there are approximately 4.5 million organic farmers in more than 190 countries, with India maintaining the largest number of organic producers at around 1.6 million. As per the market research company Ecovia Intelligence, the organic food market surpassed 148 billion US dollars in 2022, with estimates suggesting it will reach approximately 300 billion US dollars by 2025.

Organic Farming Principles

Some of the commonly followed organic farming principles and practices are discussed.

  1. Health – The principle of health is integral to organic farming as it aims to protect all living organisms from soil microbes to the human population.
  2. Environment – Organic farming has grown in popularity due to the principle of saving the environment, which includes different components such as soil, water, land, climate, etc.
  3. Food Security with Responsibility – Organic farming is a sustainable method that promotes the importance of meeting food security objectives with responsibility. It includes quality food production along with increasing quantity without compromising sustainability.

Organic Farming: Benefits to the Environment

  1. Chemicals and Pesticides – Ever since the green revolution began, farmers have resorted to extensive use of chemicals and pesticides to increase farm productivity. However, the prolonged use of chemicals has eliminated beneficial microbes in the soil, degrading its quality and destroying its natural characteristics. Moreover, chemical use at large has caused pollution of water bodies, making them unhealthy for human consumption. Similarly, pesticides can contaminate soil, water, and air. Also, some pesticides remain for decades, which is dangerous for the environment.
  2. Healthy Soil – Organic farming is one of the best ways to reverse the effects of chemicals on soil. Thus, organic farming practices and the use of innovations like biological seed treatment can make the soil healthy again and help natural microbes thrive. Consequently, it can support plant care. According to a study carried out in the US, soil in organic farms had higher soil organic matter, fulvic acid, humic acid, and sequestration rates than traditional farms.
  3. Water Health and Algal Blooms – Agricultural activities and the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers are major sources of water pollution. The run-off from farms reaches water bodies, resulting in algal blooms. It deeply impacts the aquatic ecosystem, leading to dead zones and fish kills. Organic farming, on the other hand, eliminates all these issues.
  4. Crop Yield and Feeding the Population – It is predicted that food production will need to be doubled from the current rate by the year 2050. However, there is a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly food products from consumers. Thus, organic farming, with the help of the latest technology and solutions, can be the best food production model to boost crop yield and feed the population in the future.
  5. Nutrients – Various research and studies have shown significant nutritional differences between organic farming and traditional farming crops. The concentration of different elements, such as antioxidants, is found to be available more in organically grown foods. Evidence shows a low presence of heavy metals as well.

Biostimulants used in agriculture can help boost nutrient uptake, fight against abiotic stress, and improve crop yield.

Natural and eco-friendly solutions are redefining farming practices worldwide, carving out the path for sustainable agriculture.

Organica Biotech is a leading company with advanced solutions for sustainable agriculture.

The Magic Gro range of products consists of plant growth promoters, microbial biostimulants, and soil conditioners.

Made using advanced biosensors, microbiome replenishment technology, and biotechnology, the products help in increasing soil quality and farming productivity.

It can help in meeting food production goals sustainably.

For more details, contact us today!

What Is the Difference Between Biostimulants and Bio-Fertilizers

Posted on by Jimcy Rajan

In recent years, the modern agriculture system has faced the dual challenge of meeting food security goals due to the growing world population and the increasing demand for sustainable processes.

More precisely, on the one hand, it is expected to use efficient agricultural solutions that can boost productivity, which, in turn, can meet the growing food demand.

On the other hand, agriculture should be eco-friendly and follow farming practices that protect human health and the environment.

Agricultural intensification is achieved through the use of mineral fertilizers and agrochemicals.

However, it has been observed that using an extensive amount of chemicals can cause soil degradation, reduced crop yield, and pollution of air, water, and land, eventually causing environmental risks and health hazards for humans.

According to a 2024 report by MarketsandMarkets, the global biostimulants market is projected to reach USD 7.6 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12.1%. Similarly, the bio-fertilizers market is expected to grow from USD 2.3 billion in 2024 to USD 4.5 billion by 2030, driven by the increasing shift toward sustainable farming.

Bio-products or bio-based products such as biostimulants and bio-fertilizers are potential alternatives that can be used to boost crop yield, improve nutrient uptake, and reduce crop stress, achieving productive and sustainable agriculture goals.

Difference Between Biostimulants and Bio-fertilizers

Bio-products, as the name indicates, are made naturally. This is what differentiates it from soil conditioners.

Thus, bio-products are completely non-toxic to plants, soil, and the consumer.

There are basically two categories of bio-products today, which are biostimulants and bio-fertilizers.

Biostimulants

As bio-products are evolving and scientific research and studies continue, there are no formally agreed-upon definitions for biostimulants and bio-fertilizers yet.

Thus, biostimulants can be defined as any material, substance, or product that, when applied to plants or soil, stimulates or boosts the existing biological processes in plants and related microbes.

It helps enhance plant growth, boost crop yield and quality, and improve nutrient uptake and tolerance to abiotic stress.

A 2024 study published in the Journal of Agricultural Science found that biostimulants can increase crop yield by up to 20%, improve water-use efficiency by 15%, and enhance soil microbial activity, leading to long-term soil health benefits.

Organic plant biostimulants include humic substances, marine macro-algae extracts, protein hydrolysates, microbial inoculants, seaweed, and plant extracts.

The performance of biostimulants can be assessed by different means, such as root mass measurement, photosynthesis activity, and harvested quantity.

Moreover, the effect can be clearly understood in the case of abiotic stress in plants.

Bio-fertilizers

Bio-fertilizers are biological microorganisms that stimulate processes that enable plants or roots to take up nutrients.

It also helps to increase tolerance to abiotic stress and boosts crop yield and quality.

Some of the bio-fertilizers include AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi), Free-living N-fixing, Hormone-releasing, and P-solubilizing.

These are also known as plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria or PGPR.

One example could be microorganisms fixing atmospheric nitrogen to the root zone without providing nitrogen directly to the plants.

Research by the International Fertilizer Association (2024) shows that bio-fertilizers can reduce synthetic fertilizer dependency by 25-30%, significantly cutting down harmful environmental impacts.

The key difference between biostimulants and bio-fertilizers is the use and the mechanism of action and the fact that living microbes are involved in the latter.

Thus, biostimulants and bio-fertilizers are bio-products that can change modern agriculture by boosting productivity without harming the environment or human health.

Bio-products: Growth and Challenges

Biostimulants and bio-fertilizers have received significant attention worldwide.

The commercial market for bio-products is predicted to reach approximately 3 billion US dollars in the next half a decade, during which millions of people need to be fed worldwide as well.

However, the industry faces several perception-based challenges today.

This is mainly due to the increase in the number of fake products in the market.

Also, there is a need for more scientific research and studies to understand bio-products comprehensively and establish their efficacy for plant care.

Organica Biotech is a leading company committed to creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

The team of scientists and experts have used environment biotechnology to develop the Magic Gro range of products in state-of-the-art DSIR-approved laboratories.

The advanced solutions consist of a dynamic community of microbes, which increases nutrient uptake, improves crop yield, helps plants tolerate abiotic stresses, fights pests and diseases, and much more.

You can use Organica Biotech solutions for sustainable and highly productive agriculture.

For more details, contact us today.

How Do Enzymes Work to Maintain and Clean Your Septic Tank

Posted on by Oscar Peter

Septic Tank Getting Installed in the Ground Using Crane

A septic tank, commonly situated underneath the ground, is designed to collect household waste.

The food particles, oil, grease, and fat in the kitchen are washed down the drain and reach the septic tank.

As of 2024, the global septic tanks market was valued at approximately USD 5.27 billion and is projected to grow to USD 5.45 billion in 2025, with expectations to reach around USD 7.38 billion by 2034, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.42% between 2024 and 2034.

Human waste, water used for the toilet, and chemical cleaners are flushed down the drain as well.

The waste in the septic tank is treated in two phases.

In the first phase, bacteria act on the organic waste aggressively and degrade it.

The solid waste in the form of undigested organic matter, dirt, and plastic bits gets settled down in the bottom as it cannot be broken down at the same rate any further and forms the sludge.

In the second phase, liquid waste or effluent is passed into the drain field.

Role of Enzymes

Millions of natural bacteria are present in the septic tank system, which performs the function of solid waste degradation.

Enzymes are a group of proteins or amino acids that are released by bacteria that help down organic matter to simpler nutrients.

Enzymes are not individual living entities, and they cannot grow or reproduce.

The enzymes act as a catalyst to speed up the process of waste degradation.

In simple words, enzymes get attached to the waste molecules and break them down into nutrients, which are taken up by bacteria.

There are several types of enzymes that are produced by bacteria and available in the septic system.

It includes Protease, Lipase, Amylase, Cellulase, Urease and Xylanase.

These enzymes are helpful in breaking down waste like faecal matter, fats, oil, grease, starch, urea, and other waste.

In this way, enzymes play a major role in organic waste degradation.

How is the Work of Enzyme Affected?

A septic tank works well when the naturally occurring bacteria-secreting enzymes perform their function and help in breaking down the waste.

However, various factors affect the work of bacteria and enzymes.

Extensive use of chemicals in the household reaches the septic tank system and affects the function of bacteria and enzymes.

The beneficial microbes are eliminated due to the use of various products like bleach, oil, detergents, chemical soaps, paint, acid and solvent-based cleaners, etc.

Recent studies (2024) suggest that harsh chemical cleaners can reduce beneficial bacteria populations in septic tanks by up to 90%, significantly impacting waste breakdown efficiency.

This increases pressure on the system as the solid waste is left untreated and results in an excessive sludge build-up.

Consequently, backup issues occur, and your septic tank overflows, causing you trouble and hassle.

Bacteria and enzymes are sensitive to pH levels in the septic tank system.

Toxic substances disturb the pH, and other factors like temperature and space affect enzyme activity.

This leads to septic tank failures.

Chemicals are often used for degreasing septic tank system parts.

Drain cleaners containing inorganic compounds (acids or alkalis) are used to clear clogged drains.

These kill beneficial bacteria and potentially corrode tanks as well.

A malfunctioning septic tank can cause great distress to common households.

The waste leakage, emission of foul odour, pests, and insects attracted to the waste can cause health hazards, too.

While there are mechanical means to pump out septic tank waste, they are expensive and not a permanent solution.

There are natural, eco-friendly, and effective septic tank cleaners available that can help in maintaining and improving the function of septic tank systems without much hassle.

Organica Biotech’s Bioclean Septic is a natural and microbial septic tank cleaner.

The highly efficient bacteria in this product produce enzymes that completely degrade organic waste and fecal matter.

It further minimizes the sludge build-up and curbs foul odour.

The simple and easy-to-use product boosts the performance of the septic tank and prevents it from overflow and backflow issues.

Bioclean Septic Plus is another advanced septic tank cleaner that degrades faecal matter as well as food particles, fats, oils, and grease.

It is a cost-effective way of keeping your septic tank to work at its best.

If you’d like to treat your septic tanks naturally without harming human lives or the environment, please contact us here, and we will come back to you with solutions.

India’s Water Quality Crisis and 5 Ways to Improve Our Ranking

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

India is grappling with a severe water crisis, underscored by recent data highlighting critical challenges in water quality and availability.

The Annual Ground Water Quality Report – 2024 reveals alarming contamination levels across various regions, threatening public health and agricultural productivity.

Despite India housing about 18% of the world’s population, it possesses only 4% of global water resources, making it one of the most water-stressed countries globally.

The Water Quality Index is a simple way to present to citizens data pertaining to the quality of water within the state.

Just like the Air Quality Index, or UV Index, it provides readings as per a healthy benchmark – deemed through a series of tests and research findings – and an assessment of where the water tapped from various sources across the country ranks.

Earlier this year, a proposal to introduce a committee to develop a Water Quality Index similar to the one already developed and in-use Air Quality Index (AQI) was floated in India.

Soon after, a committee comprising senior environment scientists from Telangana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and a few other states was then summoned to undertake this assessment.

India’s Alarming Water Quality Rankings

On 15th June 2018, NITI Ayog released the first of its alarming reports, painting a dismal picture for India as a whole as far as water quality rankings go.

Already facing one of the worst water crises in history, India ranked 120 out of 122 countries in the Water Quality Index.

The situation is slated to worsen, with projections stating that by 2030, the demand for water will be twice the available supply.

The 6th of 17 Sustainable Development Goals floated by the United Nations Development Program focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation as a key action point toward ending poverty by 2030.

Avinash Kumar, Director – Programs and Policy, WaterAid India, says in his message on Drinking Water Quality in India, “India has more number of people in rural areas – 63.4 million – living without access to clean water than any other country in the world.

That is more than the combined population of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand. Compared globally, that is as many people as living in Australia, Sweden, Sri Lanka, and Bulgaria,” citing a truly catastrophic crisis on our hands.

In fact, India is already a water-stressed nation, with per capita water availability projected to drop to 1,341 cubic meters by 2025.

The facts, though alarming, aren’t really surprising given that approximately 600 million Indians are said to have water-related issues, 75% of India’s households still do not have drinking water, and 70% of the water supply is contaminated.

While Gujarat topped the list with a healthy score of 76 (out of 100), it was followed closely by Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Additionally, it also states that 52% of India’s agricultural area is still dependent on rainfall, bringing to focus the need for expansion and last-mile efficiency of irrigation methods in use.

The access and availability of water impact not just the health and lives of citizens, but also has an impact on livelihoods, 70% of which is still dependent on agriculture and allied sectors.

But that’s not all.

The sustainability and long-term balance of the ecosystem – soil, water, air – are very nuanced, minutely interdependent, and linked, and also depend on the overall health of each element.

There is no better time than now to begin to reverse this crisis, whether through simple, small measures implemented within every household or policy-level change that can mobilise greater change.

Rainwater Harvesting

An overdependence on groundwater alone, despite receiving an abundance of rain in the form of a solid monsoon, has been one of our biggest undoing.

Several cities like Bangalore, facing an excessive demand and steep increase in extraction levels, are fast drying up.

The Hindu report highlights Bangalore’s vulnerability to groundwater depletion, with the city facing a severe water crisis in 2025 as many borewells dry up and reliance on alternative sources increases.

This is alarming, given that Karnataka as a whole stands in the top 5 states in the water quality rankings.

The exploitation of our natural resources and not enough attention to recharging them will ensure that we get there faster.

Rainwater harvesting is a proven and sustainable method to channel the force of the monsoon to recharge this groundwater.

Given the rampant development and real-estate growth, rainwater harvesting should become a mandated practice closely tied to the issuance of licenses to dig borewells.

Efficient Irrigation

Despite the tremendous improvements in infrastructure post the Green Revolution, issues pertaining to the efficient management of irrigation systems persist.

Traditionally, we have focused on large dams.

However, it is increasingly seen that these have definite constraints in providing economical and efficient channels of irrigation to the last mile.

Smaller, focused systems like surface works and others like drip and sprinkler irrigation must be looked at.

Awareness about these, as well as the urgent need to return water to ground sources, is a crucial step in restoring the water table.

Reduce Water Footprint

The 2013 drought in Maharashtra, said to be one of the worst experienced in 40 years, shook the country.

While the larger reason was a failed monsoon the previous year, given climate change and weather irregularities, several environmentalists believe this is a reality we must brace ourselves for.

Citizens must be made aware of their water footprint, encouraged to examine consumption patterns, and drastically reduce thoughtless wastage.

We would do good to find ways to judiciously use the resources we have left, as well as be sensitive to actively restoring those that are fast drying up.

As a country, with the ongoing efforts to sanitation and provide toilets, we could explore waterless toilets and harness other energy sources such as wind to do the work water has.

Clean Up and Restore Existing Waterways and Water Bodies

There are countless ways in which our systems are failing us when it comes to managing or containing water pollution.

Sanitation, public health, and water management in even the most urban Indian cities fall severely short of healthy benchmarks.

Plastic and other waste, sewerage, and industrial effluents continue to choke our waterways and rivers and find their way to the sea, thereby further polluting our water systems.

This poses serious health hazards and has a horrific impact on the health and stability of the water table, which is the only source of all our water.

Waste Water Management

Managing wastewater is one of the prominent ways in which we can immediately clean up our act and return largely clean water back to our groundwater sources or for use in irrigation and other needs.

Whether in the smallest homes, larger housing complexes, or commercial and industrial establishments, energy-efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions to manage wastewater are the need of the hour.

Our solutions meet the needs of a wide range of industries and municipal bodies and can be custom-designed to effectively and substantially degrade organic waste.

Get nature to work for you with our help, and see how you can dramatically reduce sludge, curb operational costs, and significantly lower COD and BOD levels in water significantly.

Unless we urgently look at means to contain the inflow of pollutants and effluents into our sources of water, explore sustainable methods to conserve and recharge groundwater and other finite sources and find ways in which to access better availability of water to all our citizens, our future will continue to look bleak and very, very dry.

What Is a Composting Toilet & How Is It Different From a Bio-Toilet

Posted on by Dr. Prafull Ranadive

The global sanitation crisis remains a pressing issue, with over 4 billion people, i.e., more than half of the world’s population, lacking access to clean water at home as of 2024.

This deficiency in safe drinking water contributes significantly to health problems, including the spread of diseases such as diarrheal illnesses, which are particularly fatal among young children.

Inadequate sanitation facilities, especially in regions with limited water resources, exacerbate environmental pollution and public health risks.

Traditional flush toilets, prevalent in many parts of the world, consume substantial amounts of water.

For instance, in the United States, toilets account for approximately 33 gallons of water usage per person daily.

This high water consumption is unsustainable, particularly in areas facing water scarcity.

Even the sanitation situation in India has been grim for a long time.

According to a 2023 report by UNICEF, approximately 19% of rural households in India still lacked access to basic sanitation facilities in 2022, leading to open defecation and contamination of water sources.

Additionally, urban wastewater treatment capacity stands at just 37%, meaning a large portion of untreated sewage still pollutes rivers and groundwater.

Lack of proper toilet facilities, waste disposal mechanisms, and shortage of water in different parts of the country has caused multiple problems, such as open defecation and, subsequently, water and soil pollution.

Moreover, poor sanitation has led to the spread of diseases among communities and a countless number of deaths.

In areas where toilets are available, communities have faced another problem.

On average, a single individual uses the toilet at least five times a day and flushes water thousands of times a year.

An estimated 4000 liters of water per person are wasted annually through conventional flushing systems.

This is where composting toilets and bio-toilets are innovations that have emerged in the recent past that can help solve sanitation situations.

What is a Composting Toilet?

In simple words, composting toilets reduce 90% of waste and turn it into useful, nutrient-rich compost.

The composting toilets use living microorganisms like aerobic bacteria to break down the organic waste, which is similar to the normal composting process done outdoors.

Carbon-rich sources such as sawdust, peat moss, coconut coir, shredded leaves, or bark mulch are used as additives to boost aerobic decomposition in the presence of oxygen after every use.

It is also known to minimize odour issues and improve the carbon-nitrogen ratio.

The longer retention time for organic waste in the composting chamber helps eliminate pathogens as well.

Once the decomposition process is completed, you will find the compost or humus as the end-product.

Composting toilets are also known as dry toilets because, unlike conventional toilets, these do not use water for flushing.

As far as composting toilet design is concerned, there are generally two types: Self-contained and Remote.

In the first type, the whole system is placed beneath the toilet bowl.

Such types are most commonly used at homes, boats, etc.

The second type often directs the human waste to a remote composter placed away from the toilet.

A large number of toilets can be connected to such systems.

In both types, any liquid is drained to an absorption trench.

Also, as the piling of waste happens, compost is moved to a humus chamber through a sloping floor by gravity, which can be collected for use.

The advantages of using composting toilets include less or no waste use, being environmentally friendly, and the compost being used as manure, which is best suited for non-edible plants.

In addition, it can be used in rural areas and regions which have water scarcity.

How Is It Different From a Bio-Toilet?

A bio-toilet, as the name indicates, uses a biological process to degrade human excreta as well as waste.

Similar to composting toilets, a bio-toilet utilizes powerful living bacteria to act on the waste.

However, there is one major difference between the two types of toilets.

The bacterial community in a bio-toilet is anaerobic and works in the absence of oxygen.

Moreover, the biological process in a bio-toilet converts waste and gives end-products such as methane gas and water.

Biogas can be prepared with this system and used as a renewable energy source.

Advantages of a bio-toilet include water conservation, no odour, no bug infestation, and minimum maintenance requirements.

Thus, as you can see, both toilet types can be used in rural areas and many other places such as schools, public places, trains, temporary living structures, bus stands, construction sites, etc.

They are easy to install, cost-effective, and environment-friendly.

Organica Biotech is one of the leading companies with advanced solutions transforming sanitation in India and the world.

The Bioclean Bio-toilets have been recognized and awarded by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India.

It has also been considered the best sustainable solution to meet sanitation objectives in India.

Monstera Plant Care Tips: How to Grow and Care For Your Monstera

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

Monstera plants have surged in popularity worldwide, particularly in indoor gardening and interior design, thanks to their lush appeal and easy Monstera plant care.

In 2025, the Monstera Thai Constellation remains one of the most sought-after houseplants, known for its striking variegation and dramatic, fenestrated leaves.

This trend is part of a broader movement toward biophilic design for integrating natural elements into indoor spaces to enhance well-being and air quality.

Studies suggest that the unique holes in Monstera leaves (fenestrations) are an evolutionary adaptation, allowing the plant to capture more light in dense tropical forests while also withstanding strong winds and heavy rainfall.

These scientific insights further add to the Monstera’s appeal among plant enthusiasts.

As the demand for indoor plants grows, Monstera continues to be a top choice in markets across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Monstera plant is a dazzling addition to your home or garden with the right care approach.

It is a fast-growing plant with the ability to grow tens of feet tall and up to three feet wide.

Also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, the enormous, shiny, and dark green leaves with natural holes make them unique and fairly easy to recognize.

It’s a striking plant for both beginners and experienced plant lovers to grow at home with the necessary Monstera plant care tips.

Monstera is a tropical woody vine that is native to Central America and wet regions such as Panama, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

In India, Monstera Deliciosa is majorly found in western and southern parts of India, such as Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

There are generally two species of Monstera that can be grown at home, namely, Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Adansonii.

The former species is more popular and has long leaves with elongated holes, whereas the latter has tapered, heart-shaped leaves with enclosed leaf holes.

According to plant scientists, the leaf holes in a monstera plant are called fenestrations that help receive as much light as possible, even to the lower leaves.

Monstera Plant Care Tips

Sunlight

Monstera plants in native environments grow under the canopy of large trees.

Thus, the Swiss Cheese plant should be placed at your home where it may receive indirect sunlight ranging from bright to medium.

Moderate indoor temperature is enough for Monstera Deliciosa.

However, the monstera plant needs sufficient sunlight, or else it will not be able to develop the leaf holes, which makes it unique.

Water

Water the monstera plant every 1 to 2 weeks.

One of the important tips for the monstera plant care is not to overwater this plant.

Also, you should make sure that the pot has drain holes that will benefit the plant.

And once a few inches of soil feels dry, water the plant again.

Humidity

Generally, monstera plants prefer high humid conditions for proper growth.

However, the plant can adapt to normal room humidity, and that would be enough.

You can use a humidifier to increase humidity levels at your home if you notice any sign of plant infirmities.

Pruning or Trimming

As mentioned, this plant grows fast. Therefore, the aerial roots from stems will grow, which may affect its aesthetics.

You can prune or trim below the aerial roots.

Besides this method, you can let the roots climb up the moss pole, which can support the plant or repot when the roots become too much.

Soil

Soil quality is very important for the growth of any plant, and it applies to monstera as well.

You should use a pot that drains well.

Supply essential nutrients to the soil so that the plant can benefit from it.

In addition to the Monstera plant care tips provided, you must keep pets away from the Monstera plant as it contains substances toxic to them.

Common Problems Affecting Monstera Plant Growth

  • When you see yellow leaves, know that it can be a sign of overwatering.
  • Brown patches show leaves are scorched due to the intense sunlight.
  • Wilting leaves signify under-watering.
  • Mealybugs can sometimes affect its growth. Regularly look for these white insects below the leaves.

For better Monstera plant care, you can also use MagicGro DripSOL from Organica Biotech.

It is a natural soil revitaliser containing soil probiotic microbes that support plant growth.

It improves nutrient uptake and leaf pigmentation and protects against diseases as well.

Also, it helps in reducing the need for frequent soil change.

With these Monstera plant care tips, your Swiss Cheese Plant will flourish, adding tropical flair to your space.

For more details about Magic Gro DripSOL, contact us at any time.

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