SMEND

SMEND solution is the brainchild of Research and Education Foundation and team. The recently launched SMEND solution is wholesome ready-for-use food for plants, organic in nature. It contains elements that have been naturally released from organic matter and are useful for plants, along with enzymes, vitamins, plant-growth-promoting substances, amino acids, and health-friendly fungi with large amount of mycelia mass. It also contains naturally occurring helpful microbes such as nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers etc. These act on organic residues in the soil and convert them into useful manure for plants. Responses to the use of the solution are dramatic, with changes noticeable sometimes in as little as four days.

Explaining the role of SMEND solution in aiding plant and produce growth, Research and Education Foundation says, "Everyone is aware that chemical fertilizers were the gravest mistake of the Green Revolution. Reeling under the palpable after-effects of polluted environment, contaminated ground water, and poisoned fertile soil, some farmer has made a noticeable switch to organic farming. However, his application of organic manure does not show immediate visible effects. This is because organic manure is applied with elements in insoluble forms. They are acted upon by microbes and this natural process takes a long time. On the other hand, chemical fertilizers are processed such that they are soluble in water, and are easily absorbed by the plants, giving instant results. This often lands the farmer in a quandary regarding the use of organic manure, and this is where the SMEND solution does its bit. We have invented a process whereby the application of SMEND solution extracts the elements from organic manure to make it easily palatable for the plants."

The extraction of elements - by speeding up natural decomposition processes - is done in special bio-refineries. These facilities are needed on the farm itself; the SMEND solution to be utilized within 24 hours of production, given the absence of any chemical preservative. The combination consists of 100 liters of water, SMEND food (required by microbes), dry leaf extracts, sugar, and SMEND brew starter. A 40 micron polybag of vermicompost is hung over this combination, and an army of microbes - the foot soldiers of the natural world - is released. This is then agitated - mixed thoroughly - and then aerated for 24 hours.

"We also add various protozoa to this solution. The protozoa feed on eggs, larvae, and other stages of insect life, thereby reducing the infestation of plants. Lower levels of infestation can easily be combated by bio-fungicides. Moreover, the presence of 45 meters of fungal mycelia fibers - fungus that aids the regeneration of soil - in one liter of SMEND solution leads to improved fertility and structure of the soil," points out Research and Education Foundation. Trials have been conducted on land that cultivate millet, wheat, corn, sunflower, gram, tomato and leafy vegetables. The responses noted from trials have been encouraging. Enhanced growth rates of plants, bigger size of the produce, as well as an increase in protein content, have been recorded. There have been no signs of microbial disease in the treated crops.

Along with this sustainable agricultural development, the use of SMEND solution also promises opportunities for entrepreneurs who may establish and operate bio-refineries. For Planters/Farmers with large landholdings, a SMEND refinery of 100 liters capacity is recommended.

The best part about transitioning to this alternative may be that it's actually cheaper for the Planters/Farmers to make this choice - the SMEND solution costs less than its chemical alternative. Currently, about three tons of chemical fertilizers are utilised for each acre of land, while only about 20 liters of SMEND solution are required to an acre. The solution is available at RM3-5 per liter. "We don't claim a total elimination of chemical fertilizers," cautions Research and Education Foundation. "But what we do guarantee is a reduction by 50 to 70 per cent. So SMEND solution, along with 50% of normal chemical fertilizers, keeps our soil healthy without affecting the productivity or fertility. Gradually we will move towards total organic farming," said.
"0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443786159097820914" />