The Development of Periphyton Biofilm Fertilizer

Yonghong Wu of the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences in China will develop and test a periphyton biofilm fertilizer in paddy fields in Southern China, as a cheaper and easier alternative to chemical fertilizer. Periphyton is a mixture of microorganisms that grow on submerged objects in water. It is environmentally benign, can store large quantities of nutrients, and inhibit weed growth, making it attractive as a fertilizer. By selecting the optimal substrate and microorganisms for testing, the periphyton biofilm fertilizer could improve rice productivity and save labor.