Description

BIOFIX Fertilizer

Enhance your legume crop yields with BIOFIX, an organic biofertilizer developed by the University of Nairobi since 1981 and commercialized by MEA Ltd. in Kenya. Specifically designed for leguminous crops like beans, cowpeas, soybeans, groundnuts, and pasture crops such as lucerne and desmodium, BIOFIX contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium spp.) that convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-usable forms, boosting growth and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Available in 10g, 50g, 100g, and 150g packets, BIOFIX is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and tailored for Kenyan soils.

Benefits of BIOFIX Fertilizer

• Enhanced Nitrogen Fixation: Contains Rhizobium bacteria that form nodules on legume roots, fixing atmospheric nitrogen into soluble compounds, increasing nitrogen uptake beyond levels achieved with mineral fertilizers.

• Improved Crop Yields: Accelerates nodule formation, leading to faster maturity and higher yields (e.g., 20–30% increase for soybeans), with healthier plants and bountiful harvests.

• Cost-Effective: Affordable, with minimal labor requirements; a 100g packet treats 10–15kg of seeds, saving costs compared to nitrogenous fertilizers.

• Eco-Friendly: Organic and biodegradable, BIOFIX avoids soil degradation and pollution caused by chemical fertilizers, supporting sustainable agriculture.

• Versatile and Long-Lasting: Tolerant to stress, effective across a wide range of soils and temperatures, with persistent bacteria that survive in soil for extended periods.

Suitable Crops for BIOFIX

BIOFIX is tailored for leguminous crops, including:

• Grain Legumes: Beans (e.g., Kazuri, Nyota, RoseCoco, Yellow Beans), cowpeas, soybeans, groundnuts.

• Pasture Legumes: Lucerne, desmodium.

• Leguminous Trees: Sesbania, calliandra.

Application Guidelines

BIOFIX is applied through seed inoculation, ensuring nitrogen-fixing bacteria are in direct contact with legume seeds before planting. Follow these steps for optimal results:

Preparation

1. Materials Needed:

   • BIOFIX packet (e.g., 100g for 10–15kg seeds).

   • 30g Gum Arabic or 2 tablespoons of sugar dissolved in 300ml clean water (as a sticking agent).

   • Clean basin and 15kg legume seeds (e.g., Yellow Beans KAT B1).

2. Solution: Add Gum Arabic or sugar to 300ml water in a bottle and shake well to dissolve. Transfer 10kg seeds to a clean basin.

Inoculation

1. Pour the Gum Arabic/sugar solution over the seeds and mix with both hands until all seeds are wet.

2. Add the correct BIOFIX inoculant (specific to the legume, e.g., Rhizobium phaseoli for beans) to the wet seeds.

3. Mix thoroughly until seeds are uniformly coated with the inoculant.

4. Cover the basin with paper, cloth, or a gunny bag and keep in the shade to protect the bacteria.

Planting

• Plant inoculated seeds as soon as possible in a well-prepared, moist seedbed.

• Sow seeds 4–5cm deep, 20cm apart in rows 45cm apart, as recommended for Yellow Beans.

• Ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged to support bacterial activity.

BIOFIX Application for Specific Crops (2kg Seed Packets)

For the 2kg seed packets of beans previously discussed (Kazuri, Nyota, RoseCoco GLP 2, Yellow Beans KAT B1):

• Seed Quantity: 2kg seeds cover ~0.1–0.2 acres at 10–15kg/ha.

• BIOFIX Requirement: Use 20–30g of BIOFIX per 2kg seeds (e.g., two 10g packets or one 50g packet).

• Inoculation: Mix 2kg seeds with 60ml Gum Arabic/sugar solution (6g Gum Arabic or 0.4 tablespoons sugar in 60ml water), then add 20–30g BIOFIX and coat evenly.

Soil and Climate Compatibility

• Soil Type: Effective in well-drained sandy loam or loamy soils with high organic matter; pH 6.0–7.0. Avoid waterlogged or highly acidic soils.

• Climate: Performs well in temperatures of 15–33°C and rainfall of 250–2,000mm, suitable for semi-arid to medium-altitude zones (0–2,000m).

• Regions: Machakos, Makueni, Nakuru, Kisumu, Kirinyaga, and other bean-growing areas in Kenya.

Expected Impact

• Yield Increase: Boosts yields by 20–30% (e.g., Yellow Beans KAT B1: 7–9 bags/acre to 9–11 bags/acre with BIOFIX).

• Income: Enhances profitability (e.g., KSh 420,000–630,000 to KSh 540,000–770,000 per acre for Yellow Beans at KSh 6,000–7,000 per 90kg bag).

• Soil Health: Improves long-term soil fertility by enhancing nitrogen levels and microbial activity.

Why Choose BIOFIX from Organic Farm?

Organic Farm, in partnership with MEA Ltd., offers high-quality BIOFIX inoculants with:

• KEPHIS-Certified Quality: Ensures viable, effective Rhizobium strains tailored for Kenyan legumes, certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service.

• Proven Efficacy: Backed by extensive field trials by the University of Nairobi, KALRO, and projects like N2Africa, demonstrating profitability for soybean and bean farmers.

• Expert Support: Agronomic guidance on inoculation, planting, and market linkages through Organic Farm’s network.

• Eco-Friendly: Aligns with sustainable agriculture, reducing chemical fertilizer use and environmental impact.

• Nationwide Delivery: Reliable shipping across Kenya.

Complementary Fertilizers

For optimal results with BIOFIX-treated legume seeds:

• At Planting: Apply 250kg/acre NPK 23:23:23 or 50kg/ha DAP in furrows, as recommended for Yellow Beans, to provide phosphorus and potassium.

• Top-Dressing: Use 100kg/acre CAN at 2–3 weeks to support vegetative growth, as BIOFIX primarily supplies nitrogen.

• Foliar Feeds: Apply OPTIMIZER (10ml/20l) for micronutrients to enhance plant health.

Join Kenya’s sustainable agriculture movement with BIOFIX, a proven, organic solution to boost legume yields and soil health. Contact Organic Farm to order BIOFIX for your Kazuri, Nyota, RoseCoco, or Yellow Beans and grow more with less!

Contact: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com