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 “NIA Bio-booster” a product containing consortia of beneficial microbes, organic carrier material having several soil 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.2000.00 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