Soil improvement: Reduce fertilization for higher efficiency - MONBAND MBT Puli product line

MONBAND was founded in 2009, and after 15 years of development, it has become a global professional supplier of specialty fertilizers, integrating R&D, production, sales and service. 

It is known for its expertise in developing, producing and formulating water-soluble fertilizers. We have two production bases: water-soluble fertilizer factory and biological factory. The annual output of integrated fertilizer reaches 500,000 tons. The business covers more than 60 countries and regions, such as Europe, South America, Africa and Southeast Asia. We mainly provide water-soluble fertilizers with macronutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients, water-soluble fertilizers with humic acid, organic water-soluble fertilizers, blended fertilizers, microbial formulations, bio-organic fertilizers, soil conditioners and other products.

Based on the importance and urgency of agricultural issues caused by climate change, MONBAND sees sustainable development as a key company strategy. We have developed a scientific, comprehensive and systematic sustainability strategy and integrated the Science-Based Carbon Targets (SBTi) into our company plan. Monband has successfully committed to the SBTi, setting carbon reduction targets and long-term net-zero targets in line with limiting global temperature rise to the 1.5˚C climate threshold. We promote sustainable agricultural development by increasing research investment and optimizing technologies. To contribute to the world's sustainability, we pursue a win-win situation between company development and ecological protection with a green, simple, low-carbon and clean production pattern.

Humic acid production by microbial activation

Soil ecology is the basis for agricultural development. According to the assessment of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 33% of the world's soil is in moderate to high degradation. Unhealthy soil environments have become a key constraint on the sustainable development of global agriculture. As elemental nutrients cannot solve all the problems of crops and soils, MONBAND has been exploring comprehensive solutions by researching the principles and efficacy of microbial fertilizers. When we promote the research and development of humic acid products, we found that, compared to the traditional humic acid production methods, microbial activation can more efficiently utilize the decomposition and transformation ability of microorganisms, such as fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes, to degrade the large molecules of humic acid into small molecules. It has significant advantages in mild reaction conditions, high biological activity, low energy consumption, cleanliness and environmental protection.

Therefore, we chose the method that microbes activate low-rank coal to produce humic acid. We screened out two patented strains through the comparative experiments of coal decomposition activity and safety tests. We have independently developed the MBT (Multi-types Biostimulants Technology) Puli product line. In addition to soluble humic acid, the Puli product line contains polysaccharides, amino acids (β-alanine, L-isoleucine, L-proline, etc.), organic acids, and various microbial secretions. It is nutritionally diverse and easily soluble. The product pH is neutral. It has the properties of improving and repairing the soil, promoting the formation of soil granular structure, passivating heavy metals, increasing the efficacy of chemical fertilizers, stimulating the growth of crops, enhancing crop resistance to stress and improving the quality of crops. We hope to save unhealthy soil and improve fertilizer use efficiency through the MBT Puli product line, contributing to agricultural development and eco-system.

Balancing soil pH

 A good soil environment lays a solid foundation for healthy crops, higher yields and better quality. Humic acid is a natural soil conditioner. It can significantly improve the soil’s physical, chemical and biological properties, creating a sustainable growing environment for crops. 150g/L of humic acid in MBT Puli product line increases the organic matter content in the soil by strong adsorption, improving the soil structure, enhancing water retention and permeability, and providing ideal conditions for root growth. It also promotes microbial activities in the soil. These microorganisms release more nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in decomposing organic materials, making the soil more fertile. In addition, the MBT Puli product line helps regulate the soil pH and maintain its acid-base balance. The improved soil environment not only facilitates the absorption of nutrients by plants but also reduces soil compaction and promotes the flow of air and water in the soil, providing a better growing environment for crop roots.

MONBAND has carried out many field trials for the MBT Puli product line. With the accumulated trial data and more scientific product design, these products have demonstrated the efficacy of soil improvement, improving the balance of microorganisms in the rhizosphere, increasing crop yields and stress resistance, and promoting rooting and growth. The growers received the product well. For the soil improvement, soil’s physical and chemical analyses were conducted, which showed that the microagglomerates in the soil treated with the MBT were relatively stable, the soil aggregate structure was significantly improved, and the soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) was significantly increased. It means that the soil can adsorb and supply the nutrients, that plants need more effectively, improving crops’ nutrient uptake and use efficiency.

Enhancing fertilizer efficiency and balancing nutrition

The MBT Puli product line is conducive to improving fertilizer use. However, the efficient absorption of crop nutrients is achieved through technological optimization. MBT suspension products adopt three-layer wet nano-milling process to transform water-insoluble substances to the nano level, substantially retaining various highly active natural organic substances and microbial metabolites. MBT micro granules of 0mm-1.5mm particle size are produced in a special process with the advantage of being close to the seeds and not burning the roots. These natural organic nutrients are highly compatible with the absorption mechanism of plant roots at the molecular level, enabling the nutrients to smoothly pass through the root cell wall and reach the nutrient transport system in the plant. The efficient absorption mechanism not only reduces the fertilizer loss and bond to the soil, but also greatly improves the plant’s nutrient use efficiency, thus achieving higher crop yields and quality while reducing the fertilizer use.

In addition, The MBT Puli product line meets the complex needs of crop growth by carefully formulating a wide range of nutrients. This ensures a balanced supply of nutrients to the crop through all growth stages. The great combination of humic acid and amino acids not only provides the basic nitrogen source for plant growth, but also supply other essential nutrients, such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur. This comprehensive nutrient supply strategy helps plants form a robust root system, promote vigorous leaf growth, enhance photosynthesis, and improve the crop's resistance to diseases and stress.

MONBAND is committed to green agriculture, exploring new ways to reduce fertilizer use and optimize efficiency for environmental protection and humanistic care. Currently, SBTi has officially confirmed the commitment submitted by MONBAND. Joining SBTi is the first step for MONBAND’s low-carbon, eco-friendly, coordinated and sustainable development. We hope to create a healthy and sustainable soil environment with soil remediation to help crops thrive. We respond to the development needs of modern agriculture, saving labor, time and costs, and increasing efficiency, maximizing the profits from agricultural production.

The MBT Puli product line is rooted in the crop growth pattern and soil environment. It meets the nutritional requirements of the crop growth cycle. The product promotes the formation of soil agglomerate structures. It improves crop resilience by dealing with soil problems, such as drought and salinity. MONBAND will endeavor to increase crop production and profit, improve soil health and facilitate sustainable development!

Contact: liboya@monband.com

This article was originally published in AgroPages magazine 2024 Latin America Focus.