Improving Coastal Saline Soil: 7 Common Mistakes When Using Biofertilizer

Improving coastal saline soil is a major challenge for farmers in Indonesia's coastal areas. High salinity damages soil structure, reduces porosity, and decreases nutrient availability. Biofertilizers like Biosolution's Soil Structure Improvement Formula offer a natural solution, but many farmers have not optimized their use. This article reveals seven common mistakes when using biofertilizers to improve saline soil in coastal farmlands, and how to avoid them.

1. Not Understanding the Mechanism of Biofertilizers on Saline Soil

The first mistake is assuming all biofertilizers are the same. In fact, each product has a specific mechanism of action. To improve coastal saline soil, microbes that are salt-tolerant and capable of producing exopolysaccharides (EPS) are needed.

The Role of EPS in Binding Soil Particles

Microbes like Azotobacter sp. in the Soil Structure Improvement Formula produce EPS that bind soil particles into stable aggregates. This improves soil porosity and aeration, allowing rainwater to infiltrate more easily and leach out salts. Without EPS, ordinary biofertilizers are ineffective at improving saline soil structure.

Choosing the Right Strain

Azotobacter sp. and Azospirillum sp. in Biosolution products have been tested for tolerance to high salinity. They remain active at EC (electrical conductivity) up to 6 dS/m, while other bacteria may die. Ensure the biofertilizer contains salt-tolerant strains.

2. Applying Biofertilizer to Excessively Dry Soil

Saline soil is often dry due to lack of organic matter. Applying biofertilizer to dry soil makes microbes inactive or die. Microbes require at least 60% field capacity moisture to thrive.

Proper Application Timing

According to recommendations, the Soil Structure Improvement Formula should be applied at the start of the rainy season or after tillage when moisture is sufficient. If forced to apply during the dry season, water the soil first before applying the biofertilizer.

Dosage and Frequency

Dosage is 10 ml per liter of water, drenched into the soil every 30 days, 3 times per season. Do not reduce the dosage for fear of waste; insufficient dosage prevents microbes from becoming dominant.

3. Neglecting Drainage Improvement Before Application

Saline soil often has poor drainage, causing saltwater puddles. Biofertilizers will not work optimally if water is stagnant because microbes need oxygen. Azotobacter sp. and Azospirillum sp. are aerobic.

Steps Before Application

Before improving coastal saline soil with biofertilizer, ensure drainage is improved: create drainage channels, raised beds, or add coarse organic matter like straw. This helps aeration and reduces salinity.

4. Not Combining with Organic Matter

Biofertilizer is not a fertilizer, but a microbial inoculant. Microbes need food in the form of organic matter. Without organic matter, microbial populations decline rapidly. To improve coastal saline soil, combine biofertilizer with compost or manure.

Synergy with Organic Matter

Bacillus megaterium in the Soil Structure Improvement Formula solubilizes phosphate and potassium, but this process is optimal when organic matter is present as an energy source. Applying 2-3 tons of compost per hectare together with biofertilizer increases effectiveness.

5. Applying Together with Chemical Pesticides

Chemical pesticides, especially fungicides and bactericides, can kill microbes in biofertilizers. Farmers often mix all products in one spray tank, rendering the biofertilizer useless.

Application Rules

Do not mix biofertilizer with chemical pesticides. Allow a gap of at least 3-5 days between pesticide and biofertilizer applications. If necessary, use botanical pesticides that are more microbe-friendly.

6. Using Water Containing Chlorine or High Salt

Water used to dissolve biofertilizer must be clean. Well water in coastal areas often contains high salt or chlorine (if from the municipal supply). Chlorine kills microbes, and high salt adds to soil salinity.

Water Quality

Use fresh water (river, rain, or well water with low EC). If only saline water is available, dilute it 1:1 with fresh water. Let the water sit open overnight to allow chlorine to evaporate.

7. Not Measuring and Monitoring

Many farmers apply biofertilizer without measuring soil conditions beforehand. As a result, dosage and frequency are incorrect. Improving coastal saline soil requires data such as pH, EC, and soil texture.

Simple Monitoring Methods

Use an inexpensive EC meter or pH meter. Take measurements before application, then every 30 days. If EC decreases and soil structure improves, the biofertilizer is working. Record results for evaluation next season.

Conclusion

Improving saline soil in coastal farmlands is not impossible with the right biofertilizer. Avoid the seven mistakes above so your investment is not wasted. Biosolution's Soil Structure Improvement Formula, containing Azotobacter sp., Azospirillum sp., and Bacillus megaterium, is specifically designed to address saline soil. With proper application, your soil will become fertile and productive again.

For further consultation, contact the Biosolution team via WhatsApp. See the product Soil Structure Improvement Formula for complete information.