The Role of Soil Conditioning for Farming and Gardening Health in Myanmar

Located in Southeast Asia, Myanmar is characterized by its diverse climatic conditions, encompassing tropical, subtropical, and sub-temperate zones.

The summer, rainy, and winter seasons make it a place full of plant biodiversity, and consequently, it grows more than 60 kinds of crops.

Today, the major crops of economic significance include vegetables, chili, onions, garlic, potatoes, and fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and melons.

Horticulture crops, such as flowers, fruits, and vegetables, are highly dependent on climatic conditions.

Once, Myanmar was known as the “rice bowl of Asia,” as it was the largest exporter of rice in the region.

Since 2010, the production volume of rice has also decreased steadily.

Recent reports suggest that agricultural productivity as a whole is now below that of its regional counterparts and even by international standards.

Issues such as the non-availability of quality seeds, lack of irrigation, limited infrastructure, and policy-driven objectives by the authorities are a cause for concern.

Additionally, the degrading quality of soil, characterized by a lack of minerals, acidic content, and a lack of knowledge about efficient biological and natural agriculture solutions, is one of the major factors affecting farming and gardening in the country.

Since farming is the backbone of Myanmar’s economy, various methods can be employed to improve crop yields through soil conditioning.

Gardeners often face the problem of having imperfect soil for growing plants, which can impact their growth as well.

Several components of soil can be enhanced to make it more conducive to plant growth.

This includes minerals that influence nutrient availability, as well as organic matter such as decomposed grass, fallen leaves, and branches.

The content of air and water needs to be at least 25% for healthy soil.

For both gardening and farming, the availability of sunlight, proper spacing, and nutrient uptake are also essential.

The pH level of the soil is regularly checked to analyze if it is acidic or alkaline in nature.

Plants grow optimally when the pH range falls between 6.5 and 6.8.

Soil conditioning can also help farmers and gardeners in Myanmar improve their soil structure.

Soil is home to billions and billions of microorganisms. These natural microbes enhance the soil’s performance, resulting in better crop yields.

Over many decades, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil have been compromised, thereby diminishing its quality.

The requirement for mass food production due to an increasing population has put undue stress on farmers to produce extensively.

To achieve this goal, the soil has been compromised by the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which have disrupted its normal functioning.

To reverse the effects of using chemicals and restore the essential properties of soil, natural and effective microbes can be introduced into the soil.

One of the popular microorganisms that can be used is phototrophic bacteria.

It is powerful and degrades all kinds of organic waste and wastewater, which can be used as manure and converted into fertilizer.

It also creates a suitable environment for other microorganisms to co-exist.

Composting is a great way to supply natural manure to the soil, and microbes play a crucial role in the process.

Similarly, there are natural growth promoters that enhance the soil’s ability to uptake nutrients and help combat pests and diseases.

The beneficial microbes increase in population and help against the pathogens that can damage the plants.

The benefit of using microbes is that it is cost-effective with no requirement for special infrastructure.

It boosts soil quality, improves plant growth, and increases crop yield.

Organica Biotech’s Bioclean Compost is a microbial formulation that aids in the composting process.

MagicGro DripSol is an advanced biological solution that acts as an eco-friendly, safe, and effective plant growth promoter.

These biological and natural formulations can play key roles in improving the farming sector and gardening in Myanmar.

• Also read: What Is The Difference Between Compost And Soil Conditioner?