Today marks an important milestone, or more aptly said, a red-letter day, as BSB Nanotechnology JSC introduces the world to its very own game-changing biobased multifunctional nano nutrition product. This advanced nanocomposite formulation, trademarked as ECO OK, is derived from rice husk; one of the most abundant agricultural wastes in Asia. It can be applied through foliar applications or directly onto the soil to enhance plant metabolism by increasing uptake of nutrients whilst providing protection against common plant diseases and pests.
So, what sets ECO OK apart from the rest?
A myriad of differences. ECO OK promotes soil health and negates the use of harmful pesticides or fungicides which paves a path to sustainable agriculture. It also increases crop yield, stimulates growth of roots and shoots, promotes budding and is environmentally friendly. Additionally, ECO OK has an inbuilt antibacterial and antifungal mechanism due to its composition. The principal components in this nanocomposite product are nano-sized silver and silica particles. Silver nanoparticles possess the ability of adhering to the cell membrane of plant pathogenic organisms and destroying them. The advanced nanocomposite technology employed in ECO OK also ensures enhanced performance over longer periods as the release of nutrients is controlled.
ECO OK in a Circular Economy Model?
The circular economy model is well represented by our nanocomposite product, ECO OK, as it resonates with the core principles of the model by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) below:
I. Design out waste and pollution
II. Keep products and materials in use
III. Regenerate natural systems
Before diving deep into how ECO OK adheres to the circular economy model, it is integral that we understand what is the current economy model practiced. Basically, our economy goes through what some might know as a linear process or system. Linear economy utilizes raw resources, then transforms it into products and finally at the end of the product life it is usually disposed of as waste or better known as the ‘take-make-waste’ model. The circular economy model, on the other hand, turns the line into a circle by looping the materials and resources that is fed into that economy in a circular manner. For example, metals can be recycled back into a similar product portfolio to its origin or food waste can be decomposed into fertilizer for plants.
The first principle of circular economy suggests that waste and pollution from economic processes should be minimized to reduce its damage to the environment. The second principle suggests an extension of useful life of products which can be achieved through reuse, repair & maintenance, remanufacture and recycle. Lastly, regeneration of natural systems refers to protecting the natural environment through feedback of natural resources into the planet through a closed loop system.
Utilizing rice husk, an agricultural waste product, to produce ECO OK shows adherence to the first principle of circular economy; wherein waste and pollution is reduced. This also plays into the second principle due to the usage of these waste products which otherwise would ultimately end up in landfills. To top it all, the benefits ECO OK has on crops or paddy fields relates to the third principle of regenerating natural systems and finally comes into full circle.
ECO OK tests and successes
ECO OK tested in rice fields across several provinces in Southern Vietnam in the past few harvest seasons has demonstrated a significant reduction in the use of chemical pesticides and increase in crop yield, which results in higher net earnings for rice farmers and lessens their dependence on chemical pesticides and fertilizers for rice cultivation.
ECO OK represents how the principle of circular economy is applied to the rice industry. With value-added technologies, rice husk and rice husk ash, the waste from rice plants, is converted into a bio-based nanocomposite that serves the dual function of crop protection and growth booster for rice plants.
Concurrently, ECO OK has also been proven to be extremely effective in controlling and preventing plant diseases in a variety of fruit trees such as Pepper, Passion Fruit, Jack Fruit, and the highly revered Durian. At the time of this launch, the tests of ECO OK are being expanded to industrial plants such as palm oil, rubber, and others.
BSB will continue to provide update on the applications of ECO OK for sustainable agricultural developments as we are exploring the astounding benefits of this circular economy business model and play our part in slowing climate change.
Learn more about ECO OK at https://www.biosilico.vn/silica-for-agriculture