Conducted by VSU
, Started on 2023 -
Completed on 2025
Ongoing
Published
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The Vermi-composting Facility at the Ecological Farm and Resource Management Institute (EcoFARMI) of
the Visayas State University (VSU) produces organic fertilizers such as IMO6 and vermicast that have the potential to
improve soil and plant health. However, one of the gaps in promoting the use of organic amendments is the
identification of all microorganisms and its functions that will support the claim on the advantages of using organic
fertilizers in increasing crop yield.
To address this gap, this project aims to elucidate the roles and functions of microorganisms present in
organic fertilizers in enhancing soil and plant health through microbial profiling using the next generation sequencing
technology. One of the raw materials in the development of vermicast is the soil and river sediments collected in VSU
that were added during the composting process. This led us to the questions on what microorganisms are present in
the samples and its function that could help in the nutrient composition and assimilation of vermicast. Hence, this study
will use an integrated management approach to the ecosystems, encompassing the area from the mountain ridge
through the reef ecosystem of Mt. Pangasugan to profile microorganisms. This approach aims to identify communities
of soil and sediment microorganisms within specific topographic positions utilizing next-generation sequencing for the
identification of microbial communities.
The microbial profiling gleans insights into the roles and functions of these microorganisms in different
ecosystems. Specifically, this technique will enable us to generate baseline data for the development of biofertilizer
and identification of potential microorganisms for bioremediation. The information obtained serves as a valuable
resource for establishing the best practices and developing future strategies for soil improvement and conservation.
In doing so, we contribute to specific sectors aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals,
particularly those related to managing agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation.