The soils in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are deficient in organic matter and low in productivity. Use of chemical fertilizers to improve yield and net returns to farmers has introduced problems of environmental pollution and land degradation. The current era emphasizing sustainability does not permit injudicious use of chemical fertilizers and focuses on conservation of land & environment. It is the need of the hour to increase the soil organic matter through biological sources and agro-wastes. The main aim of Soil Biology & Biochemistry Group is to improve biological, physical and chemical properties of the soil by conducting research on the development of quality organic fertilizer products (compost & compost tea) by exploiting indigenously available sources of nutrition and use them in conjunction with microbial consortia for enhancing crop productivity. Efforts are also in progress on the value addition of compost & compost tea to improve their nutritive value. Group has also developed cheap and environment friendly technology of NIFA Bio-geyser for the rural and poor masses of the country especially where electricity and gas availability is scanty.

• To develop and enrich organic fertilizer products (compost and compost tea) for the farming community
• To devise eco-friendly packages for plant nutrition without compromising soil productivity and sustainability

1. Dr. Amir Raza, Pr. Scientist/ Group Leader
2. Mr. Zahid Ali, Pr. Scientist
3. Mr. Shahzada Asif Ali, Sr. Scientist
4. Dr. Haroon Shahzad, Jr.Scientist

Developed following products/ technologies for the farming community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:

• Agro-wate Bio-Geyser
• Compost
• Compost Tea