Miryang-si Utilizes Beneficial Microorganisms for Eco-Friendly Agriculture

Reducing Farmers' Time and Economic Burden through On-Site Supply

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Wook] Miryang City, Gyeongnam Province, is providing various services through scientific farming facilities and educational programs with the goal of becoming a ‘Smart 6th Agriculture Hub.’

Among these, we introduce the ‘Beneficial Microorganism Cultivation Center,’ which is known as a ‘small but beautiful treasure’ and serves as the supply center for microorganisms.

Beneficial microorganisms, when applied to crops, improve root establishment, promote growth, enhance color and sugar content, and boost immunity to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases. Additionally, when used in livestock barns, these microorganisms reduce odors and promote the fermentation of manure compost.

Beneficial Microorganisms On-site Supply Service Vehicle. [Image Source=Miryang City Hall]

The Beneficial Microorganism Cultivation Center acts as an advanced base leading eco-friendly agriculture by continuously supplying these beneficial microorganisms to horticulture, fruit cultivation farms, and livestock farms. This plays a significant role in improving the quality of local agricultural products, reducing odor complaints from livestock farms, and also helps reduce farm management costs.

Operating since 2014 on the premises of the Miryang Agricultural Technology Center, the Beneficial Microorganism Cultivation Center is built on a 399㎡ facility equipped with 10 incubators, 5 storage tanks, and 1 packaging machine.

Especially starting this year, with the full-scale farming season underway, eco-friendly microorganisms are transported to towns and townships to supply farmers directly on-site, ensuring farming convenience and food safety.

To this end, the city purchased a beneficial microorganism transport vehicle and deployed it in the field. It will operate twice daily, in the morning and afternoon, to assist as many farms as possible. Additionally, one dedicated staff member is assigned to provide services to farmers on-site. If farmers cannot receive supplies on-site due to personal circumstances, they can visit the Agricultural Technology Center at any time to collect them.

Facility horticulture farms (approximately 1,180 farms) cultivating Miryang’s representative crops such as chili peppers, strawberries, and perilla leaves will receive 60 liters every two weeks from the 6th to May 31, totaling 480 liters over 8 deliveries.

Beneficial microorganisms will also be supplied to livestock farms (pig, poultry, Korean cattle, and beef cattle) to improve livestock growth environments and maintain the surrounding environment of livestock farms.

Furthermore, during the dormant season, about 550 fruit farms will receive 700 liters over 7 deliveries from April 17 to July 21. Applications for supply can be made through the town and township administrative welfare centers from the 13th until February 28.

The microorganisms supplied to farms include lactic acid bacteria, Bacillus species, and photosynthetic bacteria. These microorganisms improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil, suppress pathogenic bacteria originating from the soil, promote crop growth and vitality, and enhance productivity.

Moreover, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is significantly reduced, lowering farming costs and expanding the foundation for producing eco-friendly agricultural products.

Kim Jin-woo, Director of the Future Agriculture Division, stated, “We expect this on-site microorganism supply service to greatly help reduce farmers’ management costs. We will do our best to address issues identified during the pilot operation and ensure that on-site supply becomes well established.”