In an interview with agricultural experts at the biofertilizer demonstration area in Jianxiang Village, Wenfu Town, Qiyang, they recently assessed the yield of rice crops. “Through processes such as harvesting and weighing, we calculated that this rice paddock saw an average increase of 50 kilograms per mu compared to traditional farming methods,” one expert noted.
Zhang Shiqiao, a large-scale rice farmer in Jianxiang Village, has cultivated 200 acres of late rice this year, using biofertilizer. He reported robust growth with thick stems and a high spikelet setting rate. Notably, his rice did not exhibit signs of nutrient deficiency or premature aging despite not applying any additional fertilizer. “Last year, I used 100 kilograms of compound fertilizer per mu for rice planting. This year, with biofertilizer and silicon fertilizer, I reduced the compound fertilizer by half and achieved a yield of 550 kilograms, a 20% increase,” Zhang shared.
The use of biofertilizer not only enhances photosynthesis in plants but also strengthens their resistance to diseases and environmental stresses while improving crop yields. Additionally, it alters the soil structure, facilitates the decomposition of harmful substances, increases crop resilience, and enhances quality.
Since 2019, Qiyang has promoted biofertilizer through collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Qiyang Red Soil Experimental Station. They have established ten comparative planting bases for fruit trees, rice, vegetables, and oil tea, covering an area of 11,000 acres. Plans are underway to create organic rice and Qiyang tea oil brands to support green agricultural development and boost rural revitalization with strong technological backing.
“Thus far this year, over 5,000 acres of rice paddies in Qiyang have adopted biofertilizer with remarkable results,” said Zeng Cuilin, Chief Agronomist from the Qiyang Agricultural and Rural Bureau. Looking ahead to next year, there are ambitious plans to expand biofertilizer use to 50,000 acres of rice fields.
Aside from biofertilizer, Vicia sativa, or common vetch, also proves beneficial for soil improvement. As the late rice harvest concludes, many large-scale farmers have already distributed vetch seeds in their rice paddies. By the peak bloom period next April, they plan to turn the soil, which could reduce chemical fertilizer use by 20% to 40% per acre.
Currently, the Qiyang Red Soil Station has collected more than 20,000 soil samples and amassed 1.6 million data points from research observations over many years. This provides a scientific basis for reducing chemical fertilizers and pesticides in southern rice fields, ensuring the realization of green, efficient, and sustainable agricultural development.
The crop rotation of “common vetch plus rice” has been shown to reduce the population of harmful insects by 12.6% and decrease pesticide use by 10% to 20%. Qiyang has utilized the scientific data from the red soil station to promote a “double-season rice plus common vetch” crop rotation, with an area exceeding 600,000 acres.
“The use of green manure not only improves soil condition but also lowers chemical fertilizer usage, resulting in higher-quality rice. Growing organic rice can yield an additional income of over 2 yuan per kilogram, with average net income per acre exceeding 1,000 yuan, doubling previous earnings, while also extending the growth cycle and enhancing rice quality,” said Yang Wugui, a large-scale farmer from Baishui Township.
