A multi-strain biofertiliser was found to provide statistically significant increases in rice yield in
two out of three field trials in Vietnam. This biofertiliser contained three strains of bacteria selected from
rice rhizospheres in paddies near Hanoi. The benefit possible for rice farmers from application of the
inoculant biofertiliser was confirmed as a reliable effect by positive results in 65 farmer demonstrations over
three seasons for both summer and winter rice crops, with the increases in grain yield compared to farm
areas receiving urea alone usually much greater than 10 percent. Increases in the dose of biofertiliser
organisms applied in the range 5.5-22.2 ?? 1012 cfu ha-1 had no significant effect suggesting that, with
suitable quality control to ensure its effectiveness, costs of application could be reduced. The three
biofertiliser strains were selected respectively for their ability to reduce acetylene (N2 fixation), mobilise
insoluble phosphates and to favour establishment of the other two under competition from other rhizosphere
organisms. There is evidence of significant stimulation of early root and seedling growth and of panicle
numbers and seeds per panicle as a result of applying biofertiliser but the precise mechanisms of increases in
grain yield remains a topic for future research.
