Xinhua Net – Shandong Agricultural University Fertilizer Industry: Bringing Technology to Rural Areas to Boost Production and Promoting Scientific Fertilization to Increase Farmers’ Incomes

On June 12, 2018, the “Science and Technology for Farmers” task force of Shandong Agricultural University visited Zhuliu Village in Pinglidian Town, Laizhou City, to address farmers’ cultivation challenges and provide technical support. The event focused on ginger and offered a detailed explanation of control measures for root-knot nematodes.

A agricultural expert provides on-site instruction on the prevention and control of root-knot nematodes.

Laizhou is renowned as the “hometown of large ginger,” with ginger cultivation consistently maintained at around 100,000 mu. Yu Jian, director of the Soil Ecology Research Institute at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Key Laboratory for Humic Acid Fertilizers, first inspected the local ginger‑growing conditions. He noted: “Ginger is a root crop that requires high inputs and yields high outputs; it is particularly vulnerable to root nematodes. Once nematodes appear, plants are prone to dieback and seedling loss. Ginger has a long growing cycle, spanning from early May through November, demanding extensive management practices, stringent technical expertise, and significant labor input. During cultivation, it is essential not only to select appropriate chemical fertilizers but also to master proper application techniques—and, above all, to implement early preventive measures against pests and diseases. Using pesticides to control root‑knot nematodes often yields poor results, degrades ginger quality, and may even harm or contaminate the soil, making such approaches counterproductive. Therefore, to ensure healthy ginger growth, it is crucial to adopt sound, integrated pest‑management strategies.”

Liu Lu, a senior agricultural technician at the Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center for the Efficient Utilization of Humic Acids, stated: “In June, ginger is particularly susceptible to root-knot nematode disease. Conventional chemical pesticides can temporarily suppress the nematodes but fail to eradicate the underlying pathogens. Through rigorous scientific research, Shandong Agricultural University Fertilizer Co., Ltd. has developed ‘Xianxian Minggenbao,’ which leverages the principle of biological control—using microbes to combat microbes. By integrating the beneficial properties of highly effective probiotic strains such as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus megaterium, this product rapidly establishes a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, forming a dominant microbial community that creates a protective barrier around the root system. This barrier inhibits the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, regulates the soil’s ecological environment, and significantly reduces the incidence of soil-borne diseases. Moreover, in addition to effectively killing second-stage juveniles of root-knot nematodes, it also suppresses the hatching of nematode eggs. All of this achieves pest control in a pollution-free, more efficient, environmentally friendly, and scientifically sound manner.”

As early as around 2003, large‑scale ginger cultivation in Laizhou prioritized yield, with fertilizer and pesticide use reaching peak levels. This practice took a toll on soil health and ginger quality, driving down market prices and harming farmers. Zhang Chengyin, Director of the North China Region at Nongda Fertilizer Industry, explained: “Thanks to science‑based outreach services, growers have shifted their mindset, now focusing on quality and adopting more rational approaches to fertilization and pest management. We also hope that, going forward, more scientifically formulated products will be applied to crop production, helping to advance sustainable agricultural development.”