16/09/2026
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RESEARCH | Recent rice farming innovations in the Philippines are finding ways to grow more while protecting the environment. One example is Nutrio®, a biofertilizer developed by UPLB-BIOTECH that contains beneficial microorganisms to enhance plant nutrition and growth.
Originally tested on sugarcane, this study tried Nutrio® for potential rice application. Researchers tested the biofertilizer in Victoria, Laguna, during the 2019 wet season and 2020 dry season, using six different treatments. They measured plant height, number of panicles, biomass, grain yield, and harvest index. They also calculated profitability through cost-benefit ratio (CBR) and net present value (NPV).
Results showed that rice plants treated with Nutrio® performed relatively better than untreated plants in most growth measures and profitability. The most profitable approach was using Nutrio® together with half the farmer’s usual amount of chemical fertilizer. This combination means farmers can spend less on costly chemical fertilizers, which are often imported and harmful to farmers’ and soil health, while still producing high yields. It also reduces environmental damage linked to the overuse of synthetic fertilizers.
Authors: Emil John C. Cabrera (Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship, College of Economics and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños), Cathrene P. Amante (Technology Transfer and Business Development Office, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños), and Virginia M. Padilla (National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Los Baños)
Published in the Philippine Agricultural Scientist
Read more: https://ovpaa.up.edu.ph/research/using-nutrio-a-biofertilizer-improves-rice-yield-and-profitability-while-promoting-sustainable-agricultural-practices/