INTRODUCTION
This division is engaged in goal-oriented research projects aiming at the maximization of crop productivity through innovative techniques, better soil management practices and environmentally safe balanced fertilization. Promoting the R&D activities (product & analytical services) aiming to achieve financial self-sustainability in the long term.
- Established production technology for newly evolved crop (rice & wheat) varieties of NIA Tandojam.
- Perfected fertigation technique, it is cost effective and easy in management. It increases crop yield and economizes fertilizer inputs as compared to primitive broadcast method.
- Perfected foliar fertilization technique, it is most effective under drought and saline condition. It economized N input by 20-30%.
- Long term studies on IPNS proved that farm yard manure when applied in conjunction with mineral fertilizers elevated the wheat and cotton harvest by 13% and 8%.
- Screened out Nutrient use efficient (P, K, Zn, B) as low-input sustainable crop varieties (rice & wheat).
- Soil & Environ. Sci. Lab. is providing analytical services for fertilizers, soil, water and plant and has been declared as an appellate Laboratory in 2002 by Government of Sindh
- Planning and execution of long term experiments related to microbial activities in cereal and vegetables under various organic and inorganic fertilizer applications.
- Developed products (NIA Bio-booster, organic based fertilizers and P-Enriched composed) containing consortia of beneficial microbes and several plant nutrients.
PRODUCTS :
| Ser | Description | Details |
| 1. | Product Name | NIA-Biobooster (Invented in the year 2022) |
| 2. | Product use | To enhance soil fertility and improve crop productivity |
| 3. | R&D Institute | NIA / PAEC |
| 4. | Picture |   |
| 5. | Price | Rs.2500.00 per 50 kg bag |
| 6. | Patent / Regn Status | Patent in progress (Application filed at IPO office Karachi) |
| 7. | Cmrl Potential/Buyers | Farming community and NIA FarmSugar MillsPrivate seed/fertilizer companies |
| 8. | Collaborations | Growers /Govt. Agriculture Research Organizations/Private Sectors (Companies/Sugar Mills/Universities) etc. |
MAIN THRUST OF DIVISION
Soil & ENVRINOMENTAL ScienceS Division
1. Micronutrient nutrition of crops
2. Integrated plant nutrient management.
3. Fertigation: Field-level adaptability
4. Utilization of salt-affected soils
5. Nutritional requirements of crop varieties evolved at NIA
6. Screening and application of potential PGPR for improving crop productivity
7. Development of products including Organic Based Fertilizers, Organic fertilizers (composts) and Bio-Fertilizers.
8. Providing Advisory services to farmers, Fertilizer companies, sugar mils and other stakeholders for soil, water, plant and fertilizers analysis.