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MSc. (Hort) Fruit Science 1st Year IInd Semester

FSC 510 ORGANIC 2(1+1)

Objective To develop understanding of organic horticulture production system including GAP.

Theory UNIT I Organic horticulture – definition, synonyms and misnomers, principles, methods, merits and demerits.

UNIT II systems, components of organic horticultural systems, different organic inputs, their role in organic horticulture, role of , biodynamics and the recent developments.

UNIT III EM technology and its impact in organic horticulture, indigenous practices of organic farming, sustainable management, weed management practices in organic farming, biological/natural control of pests and diseases, organic horticulture in quality improvement.

UNIT IV GAP - Principles and management, HACCP exercise, certification of organic products and systems, agencies involved at national and international levels, standards evolved by different agencies.

UNIT V Constraints in certification, organic horticulture and export, IFOAM and global scenario of , post-harvest management of organic produce. Practical Features of organic , working out conversion plan, Input analysis , nutrient status assessment of manures, biocomposting, biofertilizers and their application, panchagavya preparation and other 20 organic nutrients application, methods of preparation of , , green manuring, preparation of neem products and application, BD preparations and their role, EM technology and products, biological/natural control of pests and diseases, soil solarization, frame work for GAP, case studies, HACCP analysis, residue analysis in organic products, documentation for certification, visit to fields cultivated under organic practices

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort), CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 1 UNIT 1 - Organic Horticulture

Organic horticulture is the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental by following the essential principles of organic in soil building and conservation, pest management, and heirloom variety preservation.

In today's terminology it is a method of farming system which primarily aims at cultivating the land and raising in such a way, as to keep the soil alive and in good health by use of organic wastes (, animal and farm wastes, aquatic wastes) and other biological materials along with beneficial microbes (biofertilizers) to release nutrients to crops for increased sustainable production in an eco-friendly pollution free environment.

As Per IFOAM - Organics International Definition "Organic Agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic Agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved."

FAO suggested that “Organic agriculture is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity, and this is accomplished by using on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm inputs”.

Organic Agriculture in India Organic Farming: Organic Farming is a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as , , hormones, feed additives etc.) and to the maximum extent feasible rely upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and protection.

Role of Organic Farming in agriculture: Organic methods of farming are beneficial for maintaining soil health. Soil health refers to the capacity of a soil to function within ecosystem boundaries to sustain biological productivity, maintain environmental quality and promote plant and animal health. In the context of agriculture, it may refer to its ability to sustain plant and animal productivity and diversity. A healthy soil would ensure proper retention and release of water and nutrients, promote and sustain root growth, maintain or enhance water and air quality, maintain soil biotic habitat, respond to management and resist degradation.

Categorization of Organic Farming Cultivable Area vs Wild Harvest Area Collection: Under organic certification system, both the cultivable as well as wild harvest collection area can be certified. A wild harvest collection is “any plant or portion of a plant that is collected or harvested from a site

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort), CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 2 which is not maintained under cultivation or other agriculture management”. The act of collection of Wild Harvest should positively contribute to the maintenance of natural areas. A Wild Crop that is intended to be sold, labeled or represented as ‘Organic’ must be harvested from a designated area that had no application of prohibited substances. A Wild Crop must be harvested in a manner that ensures that such harvesting or gathering will not be destructive to the environment and will sustain the growth and production of Wild Crop.

Organic Produce and Certified Organic Produce: As it is clear that organic farming is taking place on commercial line, by default or by tradition and also as wild harvest. In prevailing conditions it is very difficult to collect data on all types of organic production, especially that of by default or by tradition. Since marketing of organic produce requires certification so as to give confidence to consumers. Thus only data which is available is about certified organic produce. This data is being collected by APEDA under NPOP.

Emergence The growth of organic agriculture in India has three dimensions and is being adopted by farmers for different reasons. First category of organic farmers are those which are situated in no-input or low-input use zones, for them organic is a way of life and they are doing it as a tradition (may be under compulsion in the absence of resources needed for conventional high input intensive agriculture). Second category of farmers are those which have recently adopted the organic in the wake of ill effects of conventional agriculture, may be in the form of reduced soil fertility, food toxicity or increasing cost and diminishing returns. The third category comprised of farmers and enterprises which have systematically adopted the commercial organic agriculture to capture emerging market opportunities and premium prices. While majority of farmers in first category are traditional (or by default) organic they are not certified, second category farmers comprised of both certified and un-certified but majority of third category farmers are certified. These are the third category commercial farmers which are attracting most attention. The entire data available on organic agriculture today, relates to these commercial organic farmers.

Regulatory mechanism For quality assurance the country has internationally acclaimed certification process in place for export, import and domestic markets. National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) defines the regulatory mechanism and is regulated under two different acts for export and domestic markets. NPOP notified under Foreign Trade Development and Regulation Act (FTDR) looks after the export requirement. The NPOP notified under this act has already been granted equivalence by European Union and Sweden. USDA has also accepted the conformity assessment system of NPOP. Due to this, the product certified by any Indian accredited certification agency under NPOP can be exported to Europe, Sweden and USA without the requirement of re-certification. To look after the requirement of import and domestic market the same NPOP has been notified under Agriculture Produce Grading, Marking and Certification Act (APGMC). Regulatory body of NPOP under FTDR act is Agricultural and Processed Foods Export Development Authority (APEDA) under Ministry of Commerce and of

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort), CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 3 NPOP under APGMC act is Agricultural Marketing Advisor (AMA) under Ministry of Agriculture. Accreditation of Certification and Inspection Agencies is being granted by a common National Accreditation Body (NAB). 24 accredited certification agencies are looking after the requirement of certification process. Under the APGMC 10 Certification Agencies to whom Certificate of Authorization granted for Grading and Marking of Organic Agriculture Produce under Agmark.

Government Interventions to Promote Organic Farming National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF): Under NPOF, financial assistance is provided as credit linked back ended subsidy through NABARD for setting up of fruit/vegetable waste/agro-waste compost unit @ 33% of the total cost of project upto Rs. 60.00 lakh per unit and @ 25% of the total cost of project upto Rs. 40.00 lakh per unit of bio-/bio-pesticides production units. NPOF is being implemented through the National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) at Ghaziabad and six Regional Centers of Organic Farming (RCOFs) at Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Hisar, Jabalpur, Imphal and Nagpur.

National Project on Management of Soil Health and Fertility (NPMSHF): Under this scheme, assistance @ Rs.500 per ha for promoting use of Integrated -Organic Manures is provided.

National Horticulture Mission (NHM): Under NHM, financial assistance is provided @50% of cost subject to maximum of Rs.10,000/- per hectare limited to 4 hectare per beneficiary for organic cultivation of horticultural crops. Assistance is also being provided for setting up of vermicompost units @50% of the cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 30,000/- per beneficiary. Besides, assistance is being provided for organic farming certification @Rs.5.00 lakh for a group of farmers covering an area of 50 hectare. Similar assistance is also provided under the Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH).

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY): RKVY is a State Plan scheme launched in 2007-08 giving flexibility and autonomy to the States in planning, selecting and executing projects in agriculture and allied sectors as per their priorities and agroclimatic situation.

Network Project on Organic Farming of ICAR: In order to promote organic farming in the country, the council has developed technology for preparation of enriched / vermicompost from various rural and urban waste. Besides, improved and efficient strains of biofertilizers specific to different crops and oil types are being developed under Network Project on Biofertilizers. The ICAR also imparts training, organizes frontline demonstrations etc. to educate farmers on these aspects. ICAR during 10th plan, initiated a Network Project on Organic Farming with lead centre at Project Directorate for Farming Systems Research, Modipuram with the objective of developing package of practices of difference crops and cropping systems under organic farming in different agro-ecological regions of the country. The project is running on 13 cooperating centres, spread over 12 states and is still continuing.

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort), CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 4 Agricultural and Processed Food Development Export Authority (APEDA): To provide a focused and well directed development of organic agriculture and quality products, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of Indi launched the National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) in the year 2000, which was formally notified in October, 2001 under the Foreign Trade & Development Act (FTDR Act). Regulatory body of NPOP under FTDR act is Agricultural and Processed Foods Export Development Authority (APEDA) under Ministry of Commerce. As a Secretariat to NPOP, the various activities of APEDA involved in the implementation of NPOP are: Updating the national standards for organic production. Evaluation of Certification bodies for accreditation. Accreditation of Certification Bodies. Surveillance of Certification Bodies to maintenance of uniform system of operations as per ISO 65. Bilateral negotiations with the importing countries for recognition of equivalence Data Management for Organic Products through web – based traceability system All other activities related to implementation of NPOP (conveying to National Steering Committee (NSC), National Accreditation Body (NAB) and Technical Committee (TC).

PGS Certification: Participatory Organic Guarantee System is an alternative farmer group centric low cost alternative certification system that gives quality assurance initiatives that are locally relevant, emphasize the participation of stakeholders, including producers and consumers and operate outside the frame of third party certification. A process whereby people in similar situations (in this case small holder producers) in some way assess the production practices of their peers. This process can be formal or informal. Department of Agriculture and Cooperation under the National Project on Organic Farming has launched “PGSIndia” programme during the year 2011.

The Organic Market in India is set to confront new horizons

The organic markets in India are largely spread across the food and beverages, health and wellness, beauty and personal care and textile industries. The highest growth is observed in the organic food segment, followed by textile, beauty and personal care. The current Indian domestic market is estimated at INR 40,000 million which is likely to increase by INR 100,000 million — INR 120,000 million by 2020 with a similar increase in exports. Organic packaged food and beverages is an emerging niche market in India and its primary consumers are high-income urbanites. The total market size for organic packaged food in India in 2016 was INR 533 million, growing at 17% over 2015, and is expected to reach INR 871 million by 2021. In addition to the growing domestic market, India is the second largest exporter of organic products in Asia after China. The major Indian organic products in demand are : oilseeds, sugarcane, cereals & millets, cotton, pulses, medicinal

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort), CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 5 plants, tea, fruits, spices, dry fruits, vegetables and coffee. The country also produces organic cotton fibre and functional food products.

Organic products are grown under a system of agriculture without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides with an environmentally and socially responsible approach. This is a method of farming that works at grass root level preserving the reproductive and regenerative capacity of the soil, good , and sound soil management, produces nutritious food rich in vitality which has resistance to diseases.

As per the available statistics, India’s rank in terms of World’s Organic Agricultural land was 9th and in terms of total number of producers was 1st as per 2018 data (Source: FIBL & IFOAM Year Book 2018).

AREA

As on 31st March 2018, total area under organic certification process (registered under National Programme for Organic Production) is 3.56 million Hectare (2017-18). This includes 1.78 million ha (50%) cultivable area and another 1.78 million Hectare (50%) for wild harvest collection. Among all the states, Madhya Pradesh has covered largest area (5.67 lakh hectare during 2017-18) under organic certification followed by Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. During 2016, Sikkim has achieved a remarkable distinction of converting its entire cultivable land (more than 76000 ha) under organic certification. Nine States have drafted organic farming policies. Out of these, 4 States viz; Uttarakhand, Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram have declared their intention to go 100% organic.

PRODUCTION

India produced around 1.70 million MT (2017-18) of certified organic products which includes all varieties of food products namely Oil Seeds, Sugar cane, Cereals & Millets, Cotton, Pulses, Medicinal Plants, Tea, Fruits, Spices, Dry Fruits, Vegetables, Coffee etc. The production is not limited to the edible sector but also produces organic cotton fiber, functional food products etc.

Among different states Madhya Pradesh is the largest producer followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. In terms of commodities Oil seeds are the single largest category followed by Sugar crops, Cereals and Millets, Fiber crops, Pulses, Medicinal, Herbal and Aromatic plants and Spices and Condiments.

EXPORTS

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort), CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 6 The total volume of export during 2017-18 was 4.58 lakh MT. The organic food export realization was around INR 3453.48 crore (515.44 million USD). Organic products are exported to USA, European Union, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Israel, South Korea, Vietnam, New Zealand, Japan etc. In terms of export value realization Oilseeds (47.6%) lead among the products followed by Cereals and millets (10.4%), Plantation crop products such as Tea and Coffee (8.96%), Dry fruits (8.88%), Spices and condiments (7.76%) and others.

Synonyms and Misnomers of Organic Farming Different terms by diff people: Ecofriendly farming (farming in relation to ecosystem) Biological farming (farming in relation to biological diversity) Biodyanamic farming (biologically dynamic and ecologically sound and sustainable) Macrobiotic agriculture (agriculture in relation to macro fauna) Natural farming etc., (based on natural farming which alone are sustainable)

Misnomers

The term ‘natural’ is often a misnomer. There is no true guideline for this term when used frequently and often assumed to mean organic or healthier.

‘Gourmet’ is another misleading term that leads consumers to believe that they are purchasing a product that is made finer ingredients, when in reality it has no established guidelines or regulations.

"Conventional farming" refers to a mix of modern and older practices including the use of certain artificial pesticides and fertilizers. Basically the same techniques had been known as "farming" until the term "organic farming" came into vogue.

The "organic" designation is a fairly arbitrary name for "farming without artificial pesticides or fertilizers". It's not clear why this is inherently organic while farming with artificial pesticides or fertilizers (which after all are generally organic chemicals in the

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort), CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 7 technical sense) would not be. In 1940 Albert Howard published his An Agricultural Testament. In this book he adopted terminology of "organic farming." Howard's work spread widely, and he became known as the "father of organic farming" for his work in applying scientific knowledge and principles to various traditional and natural methods.

The term "eco-agriculture" was coined in 1970 by Charles Walters, founder of Acres Magazine, to describe agriculture which does not use "man-made molecules of toxic rescue chemistry", effectively another name for organic agriculture.

The use of "organic" popularized by Howard and Rodale refers more narrowly to the use of organic matter derived from plant compost and animal manures to improve the humus content of soils, grounded in the work of early soil scientists who developed what was then called "humus farming."

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort), CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 8 Principles of Organic Farming

IFOAM- Organic International

These Principles are the roots from which organic agriculture grows and develops. They express the contribution that organic agriculture can make to the world, and a vision to improve all agriculture in a global context.

1. Principle of Health - Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible. 2. Principle of Ecology - Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them. 3. Principle of Fairness - Organic Agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities. 4. Principle of Care - Organic Agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment.

Objectives of Organic Farming (as per IFOAM) To produce food of high quality in sufficient quantity To work with natural system rather than seeking to dominate them. To encourage and enhance biological cycles within farming system-involving microorganisms, soil flora and fauna, plants and animals. To maintain and increase long term fertility of soil To use, as far as possible, the renewable resources. To work as much as possible, within a closed system, with regard to organic matter and nutrient elements To give all livestocks, conditions of life that allow them to perform all aspects of their innate behavior To avoid all forms of pollution that may result from agricultural techniques To maintain the genetic diversity of agricultural system and its surroundings, including the plants and wild life habitats To allow agricultural producers an adequate returns and satisfaction from their work including safe drinking water.

Methods of Organic Horticulture Organic farming methods combine scientific knowledge of ecology and some modern technology with traditional farming practices based on naturally occurring biological processes. Organic farming methods are studied in the field of agroecology. The principal methods of organic farming include crop rotation, green manures and compost, biological and mechanical cultivation. An overview of methods, including specialized forms of organic farming are as follows: Biodynamics - It has two basic components – farming operations on the basis of an

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort), CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 9 astronomical calendar, and the use of some very special preparations, numbered 500- 508 which are used as sprays and in the compost heap. Biodynamics is today perhaps the largest “specialized” organic farming system in the world. Farms certified biodynamic can market their produce under the “Demeter” symbol which is recognized by the BD community worldwide – consumers, buyers, traders and farmers.

Biological / Natural Pest Control – These mainly includes:

Picking off the pest by hand (where the pest is a large caterpillar for example) Use of pheromone traps Use of light traps (for moths and other insects) Use of predator species (a point of debate) Growing trap crops (e.g. Mustard with cabbage; Maize around cotton) Use of microbial pesticides and biological agents like Heliothis, Spodoptera, Trichogramma, Trichoderma, etc. Using easily-prepared natural pesticides

Composting - Properly recycled crop waste/ residues and animal wastes form excellent compost in one to six months, depending upon the composting process used. Every farm can choose or even develop a suitable compost process. Vermicompost - Vermicomposting is a modified and specialised method of composting – the process uses earthworms to eat and digest farm wastes and turn out a high quality compost in two months or less. Mulching - is the use of organic materials (plastic is expensive and non- biodegradable) to cover the soil, especially around plants to keep down evaporation and water loss, besides adding valuable nutrients to the soil as they decompose. Green manuring is an age-old practice prevalent since ancient times. A crop like dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata), sunnhemp or horsebean is sown (usually) just before the monsoons. A mix is also possible. Just around flowering (30-45 days after sowing), the crop is cut down and mixed into the soil after which the season’s main crop is sown. Green manuring is beneficial in two ways – firstly it fixes nitrogen, and secondly the addition of biomass. Cover cropping is normally carried out also with nitrogen-fixing crops that grow fast and require little or no inputs like water or additional manuring. While cover crops can yield some returns, they are mostly used for covering the soil in the fallow months, adding nitrogen to the soil, suppressing weeds, preventing soil erosion and later used as biomass or fodder. Crop rotation is the sequence of cropping where two dissimilar type of crops follow each other – a few examples include cereals and legumes, deep-rooted and short- rooted plants. - Multi-cropping is the simultaneous cultivation of two or more crops. In Indian agricultural tradition, farmers have been known to sow as many as 15 types of Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort), CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 10 crops at one time. An example of multi-cropping is Tomatoes + Onions + Marigold (where the marigolds repel some of tomato’s pests). Inter-cropping is the cultivation of another crop in the spaces available between the main crop. A good example is the multi-tier system of coconut + banana + pineapple/ginger/leguminous fodder/medicinal or aromatic plants. While ensuring bio- diversity within a farm, inter-cropping also allows for maximum use of resources. Natural farming - also known as Do-nothing farming or No-till farming was popularised by , starting in the 1940s in Japan. The most essential aspect of natural farming is to let nature play a dominant role to the maximum extent possible. Hence, no-till, farm biodiversity, integration and symbiotic farm components and protection of soil cover all have a place in this method of farming. The seed ball technique for sowing has also been given importance by Fukuoka. Effective Microorganisms (EM) originated in Japan in the 1980s. Its originator or developer was Prof Teruo Higa. As the name suggests, it makes use of microorganisms, mainly lactic acid bacteria, photosynthetic bacteria, yeast, filamentous fungi and ray fungi. These microorganisms are both aerobic and anaerobic and are not genetically- modified. Homa farming (Agnihotra) - It is an entirely spiritual practice that dates from the Vedic period. The basic aspect of homa farming is the chanting of Sanskrit mantras (agnihotra puja) at specific times in the day before a holy fire. The timing is extremely important. Integration of system - one system’s wastes and by-products are another system’s inputs, or one system is comprised of more than one component which allows for efficient use of available resources. The animals and tree crops are benefited by the honey bees (pollination); crop residues and tree are useful as cattle feed, green leaf and in ; the dung from the cattle is useful at the bio-gas plant, after which the slurry finds use in the fields as manure and in the compost heap. With so many benefits, one almost forgets that this farm also produces food grains, fruits, vegetables, firewood, timber, milk and honey. Microbial Biofertilizers - Microbial biofertilisers are biologically active (living or temporarily inert) inputs and contain one or more types of beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria, algae or fungi. Every microorganism – and hence each type of biofertiliser – has a specific capability and function. - Permaculture or permanent agriculture was developed by an Australian, Bill Mollison. Permaculture is a “conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people providing their food, energy, shelter and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way”.

Water Harvesting and Soil Conservation For any long-term success in a farming operation, water harvesting and soil Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort), CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 11 conservation are necessary. While a large area (a watershed for example) under contiguous water harvesting and soil conservation measures would yield the best results, individual farms and farmers can use various techniques on their own holding. The techniques that a farmer can use include: 1) Contour bunding / trenching 2) Ploughing along the contour 3) Mulching 4) Use of cover crops 5) Provision of swales 6) Percolation tanks and well rechargers 7) Making check dams

Advantages of organic farming

Improvement in soil fertility and soil texture. Improvement in soil microorganisms and organic matter. Use of leguminous crops increases the level of nitrogen in the soil. Beneficial effect on biodiversity, natural farming, environment and health conservation. Availability of toxic free food and fodder. Based on low cost farming system. Improving immunity in humans and animals against diseases. Dependency on chemical inputs reduced. Improving soil water holding capacity. Organic products have good market and may incur high price. Production may be achieved through Organic Farming. Environmental balance can also be achieved. Protection of soil fauna through Organic Farming. Many organic manures and insecticides can be prepared easily even by the farmers.

Disadvantages of organic farming

Organic food is more expensive because farmers do not get as much out of their land as conventional farmers do. Organic products may cost up to 40% more. Production costs are higher because farmers need more workers. Marketing and distribution is not efficient because organic food is produced in smaller amounts. Food illnesses may happen more often. Organic farming cannot produce enough food that the world’s population needs to survive. This could lead to starvation in countries that produce enough food today.

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort), CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 12 Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort), CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 13 MSc. (Hort) Fruit Science 1st Year IInd Semester

FSC 510 ORGANIC HORTICULTURE 2(1+1)

UNIT II Organic farming systems, components of organic horticultural systems, different organic inputs, their role in organic horticulture, role of biofertilizers, biodynamics and the recent developments.

Organic Farming System – An Integrated Approach

Organic farming system is an integrated approach, where all aspects of farming systems are interlinked with each other and work for each other. While turning towards organic it is essential that the basic requirements of the system and the area are properly understood and long term strategies are addressed first. In most part of the country poor soil health due to loss of organic matter and soil microbial load is a major problem. Reducing water availability and increasing temperature is further adding to the problems. Too much dependence on market for supply of inputs and energy has made the agriculture a cost intensive high input enterprise with diminishing returns. We need to address all these concerns and develop a system which is not only productive and low cost but also resource conserving and sustainable for centuries to come. To start with, following parameters need to be addressed in first stage:

1. Enrichment of soil – Abandon use of chemicals, use crop residue as mulch, use organic and biological fertilizers, adopt crop rotation and multiple cropping, avoid excessive tilling and keep soil covered with green cover or biological mulch. 2. Management of temperature - Keep soil covered, Plant trees and bushes on bund 3. Conservation of soil and rain water – Dig percolation tanks, maintain contour bunds in sloppy land & adopt contour row cultivation, dig farm ponds, maintain low height plantation on bunds. 4. Harvesting of sun energy – Maintain green stand throughout the year through combination of different crops and plantation schedules. 5. Self reliance in inputs – develop your own seed, on-farm production of compost, vermicompost, vermiwash, liquid manures and botanical extracts. 6. Maintenance of life forms – Develop habitat for sustenance of life forms, never use pesticides and create enough diversity. 7. Integration of animals – Animals are important components of organic management and not only provide animal products but also provide enough dung and urine for use in soil. 8. Use of renewable energy – Use solar energy, bio-gas and bullock driven pumps.

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 1 Developing organic farm As organic management is an integrated approach, manipulation and adoption of one or few steps may not yield significant results. For optimization of productivity all the essential components need to be developed in a systematic manner. These steps include: (i) Habitat development, (ii) on-farm facilities for input production (iii) cropping sequence and combination planning (iv) 3-4 year rotation plan and (v) growing of crops suiting to the region, soil and climate.

Development of farm facilities and habitat Infrastructure  Reserve 3-5% of farm space for utilities, such as space for cattle, vermicompost bed, compost tank, Vermiwash/ compost tea unit etc. 5-7 trees should be planted only on this space, as all utility infrastructure need shade.

 Irrigation well, water pumping infrastructure etc can also be in this utility area.

 Dig some percolation tanks (7x3x3mt or of any other size depending upon the rainfall and run-off pattern) for rain water conservation (1 pit per ha) at appropriate places depending upon slope and water flow.

 If possible develop a farm pond of preferably 20x10 mt size.

 Keep few 200 lit tanks (1 per acre) for liquid manure preparation and few containers for botanicals.

 For 5 acre farm, develop 1-2 vermicompost beds, 1 NADEP tank, 2 biodynamic compost beds, 2-3 compost tea/ vermiwash units, 5 liquid manure tanks, 5 cowpat pits and one underground cattle-urine collection tank.

Habitat and biodiversity

 For a 10-acre farm, plant at least five to six neem trees (Azadirachta indica), one to two tamarind (Tamarindus indica), two gular (Ficus glumerata), eight to ten ber (Zizyphus Sp) bushes, one to two aonla (Emblica officinalis), one to two drumstick and 10–15 wild bushes.

 More specifically, if we classify areas into wet and dry farms, then on the wet farms there should be five to six neem trees, one to two wood apples, one to two star fruit, eight to ten guava or sour soap, three to four drumstick, one to two fig and 10–15 bushes of mulberry, star gooseberry, curry leaf etc, and on the dry farms there must be at least five to six neem, one to two bael fruit, eight to ten ber or custard apple, one to two aonla , one to two drumstick and 10–15 bushes of sasaka , nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Cassia auriculata, C. tora, etc.

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 2  Fruit orchards also need to maintain adequate diversity with at least 3-5 types of fruit plants and few non-fruit trees.

 The internal hedgerow should consist of perennial pigeon pea, Crotalaria, seasonal Sesbania, etc. Lops from these trees will provide enough quantity of biologically fixed nitrogen.  In between Glyricidia/Sesbania rows insert few plants of pesticidal value such as Adathoda vesica, Vitax nigundo, Calotropis, Datura alba, Ipomea (Besharam) etc.

Conversion of soil to organic Banning of chemicals- No use of any chemical based inputs, hormones, antibiotics etc.

Low input alternative –  In first year simultaneously sow three different types of legumes in strips, first of 60 days (like moong), second of 90-120 days (Cow pea or soybean) and third of more than 120 days (red gram) in strips.  Apply mixture of Compost and vermicompost (2:1) @ 2.5 ton per acre enriched with 4 kg Azotobacter and 4 kg PSB biofertilizers or 4 kg consortia of customized cultures as basal dose at the time of sowing preferably in furrows below the seeds.  Seeds of legumes should be treated with crop specific strains of Rhizobium .

 Mulch the entire surface with a thick layer of biological mulch and drench the biomass with Jivamrut @ 200 lit per acre. Seedlings will emerge from this layer.

(Jivamrut – Mix cow dung 10 kg, cow urine 10 lit, Jaggary 2 kg, any pulse grain flour 2 kg and Live forest soil 1 kg in 200 lit water. Ferment for 5 to 7 days. Stir the solution regularly three times a day. Use in one acre with irrigation water.)

 If soil is poor in phosphorus then apply 300 kg of low grade mineral rock- phosphate along with the compost.  Apply second dose of Jivamrut after 25-30 days of sowing with irrigation water or during rains.

 To add to diversity 100 plants/ acre of marigold or Hibiscus subdarifa or any other suitable plant effective as trap crop/plant may be planted randomly throughout the field.  Few seedlings of vegetables such as chillies, tomato, brinjal, etc and rhizomes of turmeric, ginger etc can be planted randomly for home consumption.

 Harvest the pods/ fruits and use remaining biomass for mulch.  Collect the crop biomass at the end of strips in the form of heaps and drench with Jivamrut.  Sow short duration leafy vegetables (such as fenugreek or spinach) in the space

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 3 vacated by the first and second crop and mulch the surface with treated biomass. Harvest leafy vegetable and grains and incorporate remaining biomass in the soil at appropriate time.

 In next season apply compost-vermicompost mixture @ 2.5 ton/ha and sow cereal crop with legume as inter or companion crop. After harvest use entire legume and remaining part of cereal crop as mulch.

 If irrigation facilities are there, take summer legume with some vegetable crop.

 Recycle entire residue as mulch. Use 3-4 application of liquid manure (such as Jivamruta) during each cropping season for soil application. Now the soil is ready for high value horticultural crops.

High input alternative –  Incorporate 2.5-3.0 ton compost/ vermicompost or 1.5 ton of biodynamic compost, 500 kg crushed oil cakes, 500 kg rock phosphate, 100 kg neem cake, 5 kg Azotobacter and 5kg PSB biofertilizer or 4 kg consortia of customized cultures in soil through broadcasting or by drilling in furrows below the seeds.  Sow 3-4 types of different crops in strips.  40% crop stand should be of legumes.  Randomly plant 100-150 marigold and vegetable seedlings for increased diversity.  After harvest incorporate entire residue in soil or use as mulch after sowing of the next crop.  For second crop also use similar quantities of manures.  Use liquid manure (Jivamruta) @ 200lit/acre 3-4 times during cropping season along with irrigation water.  For increased productivity 2-3 sprays of vermiwash or vermiwash+cow urine or Panchgavya can also be provided.

 In fruit orchards cultivate 3-4 types of legume mixtures as mixed or intercrop in inter spaces along with adequate quantity of manures (as specified above). After pod/ grain harvest mulch the entire soil surface with the left over biomass and drench the biomass with 2 applications of Jivamruta.

After about 12-18 months the soil will be ready for organic cultivation of any crop combination. For next two-three years, along with any crop incorporate legumes as inter or companion crops. Ensure that crop residue always have at least 30% residue from legumes. Also treat crop residue with liquid manure before incorporating into soil or using as mulch.

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 4 Components of Organic Horticultural System

The components of organic horticultural system are as follows:  Enrichment of soil with organic matter  Cropping systems  Biofertilizers.  Weed management  Pest management.

1. Enrichment of soil with organic matter

Most of the basic needs of the plant nutrients can be locally met through organic source, which in turn, makes production sustainable and creates more employment opportunity locally, eliminates the ill effects of fertilizers and reduces the cost of production. But, the large potential of organic resources remains untapped in the country. Composting of all organic waste, FYM and feedlot manure is important.

Advantages of Organic Manures  Provides all the nutrients that are required by plants but in limited quantities.  Helps in maintaining C:N ratio in the soil and also increases the fertility and productivity of the soil.  Improves the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil.  Improves both the structure and texture of the soil.  Increases the water holding capacity of the soil.  Due to increase in the biological activity, the nutrients that are in the lower depths are made available to the plants.  Acts as mulch, thereby minimizing the evaporation losses of moisture from the soil.

Organic manures include: Green Manuring, composting, vermi-composting and Biodynamic Preparations

A. Green Manuring

Green manuring is a low cost but effective technology in minimizing the investment cost of fertilizers and in safeguarding the productive capacity of the soil. Growing of leguminous crops (in situ mulching adds 8 to 28 tonnes/ha of organic manure) such as Sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata), greengram (Phaseolus sp.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), khesari (Lathyrus sativus),

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 5 berseem (Trifolium alexandrium)

On the other hand, some common perinneal shrubs and trees which yield valuable green matter for composting can be grown all along the bunds and harvested at the right stage and composted alongwith farm waste and FYM like

Glyricidia (Glyricidia maculata, G. septium), Subabul (Leucaena leucophila, L. glauca), Honge/Karanj (Pongamia glabra), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Cassia auriculata, C. tora, C. occidentalis, C. pistula, Derris indica, Ipomea cornea, Tephrosia purpurea, T. candida, Thespesia populenea, Calotropis gigantea, Delonix regia, D. elata, Jatropha gossypifolia, Dodanea viscose, Hibiscus viscose and Vitex negundo

On Farm Generation of Organic Matter through green manuring

 In-situ Generation of Organic Matter During Post Rainy Season and its Incorporation  Raising of N – fixing Trees as Separate Blocks or in Rows and Using their Foliage for Green Leaf Manuring  Bund Farming with Trees and Grasses  Ley Farming

Advantages of Green Manuring 1. Green manuring has a positive influence on the physical and chemical properties of the soil. 2. It helps to maintain the organic matter status of aerable soils. 3. It serves as a source of food and energy for the soil microbial population which multiplies rapidly in the presence of easily decomposable organic matter. 4. The enhanced activities of soil organisms not only cause rapid decomposition of the green manure but also result in the release of plant nutrients in available forms for use by the crops. 5. It improves aeration in the soils. 6. Many green manure crops have additional use as sources of food, feed and fuel. 7. It builds up soil structure and improves tilth. 8. It promotes formation of crumbs in heavy soils leading to better aeration and drainage. 9. Depending on the amount of humus formed, green manuring increases the water holding capacity of light soils.

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 6 10.It forms a canopy cover over the soil and reduce the soil temperature and protect the soil from the erosive action of rain and water currents. 11.It absorbs nutrients from the lower layer of soils and leave them in the soil surface layer when ploughed in, for use by the succeeding crops. 12.They prevent leaching of nutrients to lower layers. 13.Leguminous green manure crops harbour N fixing bacteria, rhizobia in the root nodules and fix atmospheric N. 14.They increase the solubility of lime phosphates, trace elements, etc. through the activity of the soil microorganisms and by producing organic acids during decomposition. 15.A crop of green manure on an average fix 60-100 kg N/ha in a single season under favourable conditions. 16.They help to ameliorate soil problems. Dhaincha, when applied to sodic soils continuously for 4-5 seasons, improves the permeability and helps to leach out the harmful sodic salts. The soil becomes fit for growing crops. 17.Green leaf manure from Argemone mexicana and Tamarindus indica has a buffering effect when applied to sodic soils. 18.They increase yield of crops to an extent of 15-20%. 19.Vitamin and protein content of rice have been found to be increased by green manuring. 20.Certain green manure crops like Pongamia and Neem leaves have pest control effects.

Nutrient status of various green manures

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 7 Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 8 B. Composting

Composting is the art and science of combining available organic waste so that they decompose to form uniform and stable finished product. Microorganisms that do much of the work need high temperature, plenty of oxygen and moisture. These heat loving thermophilic organisms work best between 45-55°C.

The process of biological recycling by which waste is converted into organic manure is referred to as “composting”. Microorganisms Degrading Cellulose and Hemi-Cellulose Bacteria: Spices of Cytophliga, Bacillus, Pseudomonas,Clostridium, Streptomyces, etc. Fungi: Spices of Trichoderma, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, Aspergillus, etc.

Microorganisms Degrading Lignin Bacteria: Spices of Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Actinomyces, Xanthomonas, etc. Fungi: Spices of Fusarium, Polyporus, Hamicola, Mycena, etc.

Types of Composting Composting can be done using different methods such as: Heap method, pit method and NADEP method. Heap Method: All available organic material (bio-mass, crop residues, weeds and animal excreta) is stacked together in alternate layers. The surface is covered by a thin layer of soil or dry leaves.  Collect the stalks of glyricidia, subabul, etc. and arrange them in a layer of 15-20 cm thickness for the base.  Over this spread a layer of available carbon rich bio-mass such as straw or saw dust to a height of 20 cm.  Add a layer of local legumes, dried or fresh leaves of beans, red gram, green gram, Stylosanthus sp., subabul, glyricidia, etc. to a height of 10 cm.  Over this spread a layer of dung or soil free from stones, pebbles and glass.  Continue this process of alternate layering until it attains a height of 1.5 m.  Cover the top with a layer of top soil or mud to a thickness of 2 cm.  Collect some bamboo/hollow sticks/waste pipes and lay them on the heap at a distance of 30 cm between each.  Mix the heap once in 10 days with a pitch fork.  The compost shall be ready in 4-6 months.

Pit Method: In this method the waste materials are placed in alternate layers in a pit of suitable dimensions. The filled in pit is then covered with soil. This method is suitable for drought areas as it reduces losses due to evaporation.  Dig a pit measuring 1.5-2.0 m x 1.5 m x 1.0 m. The length can be increased depending upon the area and material available.  Make use of available materials like coconut coir dust, straw, palm leaves and fibres, and arrange them to a level of 15-20 cm as a bottom layer.

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 9  Add a layer of local, carbon rich bio-mass like straw or saw dust to a thickness of 20 cm.  Over this spread a layer of legumes, crop residues or leaves of glyricidia or any other N-rich bio-mass to a height of 10 cm.  Cover with soil/cow dung/slurry to a thickness of 2 cm.  Repeat the process of filling the wastes in layers till the pit gets filled up.  Care should be taken that the pit is dug under the shade of a tree or covered with palmyrah, coconut leaves or polythene to protect it from rain.  For proper aeration/ventilation, insert some bomboo sticks/waste pipes.  The contents of the pit should be mixed/turned once in 15 days with a pitch fork.  Maintain optimum moisture by sprinkling water now and then.  The compost shall be ready in 3 months.

NADEP Method: This is a simple method using surface tanks with ventilation between every brick. A minimum of cow dung is required to produce a N-rich compost. Composting can be done in tanks built above the ground by utilizing local weeds, leaves, straw, dry stalks, animal excreta such as cow dung, dung of sheep, goat and horse.  Prepare a tank measuring 3 m x 2 m x 1 m with bricks.  Keep a gap after every brick for aeration. The gaps should be protected with wire mesh to prevent rodents and other harmful insects from entering inside.  Plaster the tank sides and bottom with cement.  Spray the bottom of the tank with cow dung slurry.  Construct the tank close to where the manure can be utilized so that there will not be any transport problems.  Utilize all the available weeds in the field, leaves and straw. Spread them in layers to a height of 15 cm. Use neem leaves, if available, for the bottom layer.  Over this add a layer of cow dung of 15 cm thick.  Cover with soil.  Repeat the process till the tank is filled.  Cover the top of the tank with soil to a thickness of 2 cm.  If the material in the tank sinks, add a few more layers.  The compost shall be ready in 3-4 months.

Nutrient status of compost obtained from various methods

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 10 C. Vermicomposting The process of composting organic wastes through domesticated earthworms under controlled conditions is vermicomposting. Wastes subjected to earthworm consumption decompose 2 to 5 times faster than in conventional composting. During composting the wastes are deodorized, pathogenic micro-organisms are destroyed and 40 to 60% volume reduction in organic wastes takes place. It is estimated that the earthworms feed about 4 to 5 times their own weight of material daily. Thus one kg worms decompose approximately 4 to 5 kgs of organic wastes in 24 hours. Currently earthworm species Eisenia foetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, Perionyx excavatus, Lumbricus rubellus and Pheretima longate are being used for compost production. Paddy straw, sugarcane trash, maize, vegetable waste, etc. are suitable crop wastes which favour faster development of earthworms. Vermicompost provides vital macro elements like N, P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg and micronutrients such as Fe, Mo, Zn, Cu, etc. apart from growth substances like NAA, cytokinins, gibberellins, etc. It also harbours beneficial microflora within it.

Nutrient status of vermicompost

Advantage of Vermicompost  Vermicompost is rich in all essential plant nutrients.  Provides excellent effect on overall plant growth, encourages the growth of new shoots/leaves and improves the quality and self life of the produce.  Vermicompost is free flowing, easy to apply, handle and store and does not have bad odour.

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 11  If improves soil structure, texture, aeration, water holding capacity & prevent soil erosion.  Vermicompost is rich in beneficial micro-flora such N-fixers, P solubilizers, cellulose decomposing micro-flora, etc.  It neutralizes the Soil pH.  It prevents nutrient losses and increases the use efficiency of chemical fertilizers.  Vermicompost is free from pathogens, toxic elements, weed seeds, etc.  Vermicompost minimizes the incidence of pest and diseases.  Vermicompost enhances the decomposition of organic matter in soil.  Vermicompost contains valuable vitamins, enzymes and hormones like auxins, gibberellins etc.

PROBLEMS IN VERMICOMPOSTING 1. Odours Putting overabundance of "greens" in the bin, which is actually too much nitrogen combining with hydrogen and forms the ammonia? To neutralize the odours, add some sources of carbon like, paper and dried leaves etc. 2. Pests Bad odour can attract pests such as rodents and flies. Fix plastic nets around the bins. 3. Environment Eisenia foetida worms can attack native worms in natural areas. Don’t allow to go out natural places. 4. Climate Rain and bright light is drastically effect to the worms

Vermicomposting of Dairy Waste

Biogas slurry and dairy farm waste can be efficiently turned into compost with earthworms, as they consume almost any non-toxic organic waste, including food processing waste, paper and manure.  Dig a trench measuring 1.5 m x 1.2 m x 0.3 m.  Build some moistened straw, as a bed, to a height of 10 cm.  Over this add 10 cm cow dung/biogas slurry and pour somewater.  Introduce about 100 earthworms/cu. ft. in the bed.  Over this put 5 cm layer of farm waste and moisten with water.  Add a 15 cm layer of slurry over this and water it to maintain moisture.  Allow it to remain for 45 days.  Mixing and turning using a pitch fork should be done every 15 days. It must be watered regularly.  After 45 days, stop watering, sieve the manure and store.

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 12 Vermiwash is a liquid that is collected after the passage of water through a column of worm action and is very useful as a foliar spray. It is a collection of excretory products and mucus secretion of earthworms along with micronutrients from the soil organic molecules. These are transported to the leaf, shoots and other parts of the plants in the natural ecosystem. Vermiwash, if collected properly, is a clear and transparent, pale yellow coloured fluid.

The basic principle of Vermiwash preparation is simple. Worm worked soils have burrows formed by the earthworms. Bacteria richly inhabit these burrows, also called as the drilospheres. Water passing through these passages washes the nutrients from these burrows to the roots to be absorbed by the plants. This principle is applied in the preparation of vermiwash. Vermiwash can be produced by allowing water to percolate through the tunnels made by the earthworms on the cow dung substrate.

The Vermi wash contains necessary plant nutrients (soluble N P K), plant growth promoting homones (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinin), enzymes (cocktail of protease, amylase, urease and phosphatase that acts as antimicrobic), symbiotic microbes (Azotobactor, Agrobacterium, Rhizobium and some PSB microorganisms).

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 13 D. Biodynamic agriculture is a method of farming that aims to treat the farm as a living system which interacts the environment, to build healthy, living soil and to produce food that nourishes and vitalizes and helps to develop man kind. The underlying principle of biodynamics is making life-giving compost out of dead material.

The important components of biodynamic farming are as follows:  Turning in plant materials such as green crops and straw  Not using chemical fertilizers and pesticides  Avoiding soil compaction by machinery or animals, particularly in wet weather  Keeping soil covered by pasture, crops or mulch not destroying the soil structure by poor farming practices such as excessive use of rotary hoe or cultivation in unsuitable weather (too wet or too dry)  Fallowing the land by planting deep-rooting permanent pasture species or using green crops  Use of preparations BD-500 and BD-501  Compost made with preparations BD-502 – BD-507  Liquid manure made with preparations BD-502 – BD-507  Cowpat pit manure made with preparations BD-502 – BD-507

These biodynamic preparations named BD-500 to BD-507 are not food for the plants, but they facilitate the effective functioning of etheric forces. They are also not the usual compost starters, but can stimulate compost organisms in various ways. In short they are biologically active dynamic preparations which help in harvesting the potential of astral and etheral powers for the benefit of the soil and various biological cycles in the soil. So far 9 biodynamic preparations have been developed, named as formulation 500 to 508. Out of these, formulation-500 (cow horn compost) and formulation- 501 (horn- silica) are very popular and are being used by large number of organic farmers. Formulations-502 to 507 are compost enrichers and promoters, while formulation 508 is of prophylactic in nature and helps in control of fungal diseases.

Biodynamic formulation-500 (BD-500) As per the established norms of biodynamic process while cow-dung is full of astral and etheral powers; the cow-horn shell has the potential to absorb astral powers. In this formulation the inherent potential of these two components is harvested in making a biologically active formulation. a. Method of preparation - Whip fresh cow dung to prepare a thick smooth paste. Fill the empty cow horn shells with this paste. Now place these horns in the pit in upright position with the pointed closed end of horns facing upwards. Fill the pit with good fertile soil and compost mixture (25 : 1) till ground level. The soil of the pit is to be kept moist for all the time. If required sprinkle water at repeated intervals. As per the Indian moon calendar "Kwar Navratra" (October-November) is the most ideal period for placing the dung filled horns in pits. The horns are kept buried for approximately six months and are taken out during "Chaitra Navratra" (March-April). Dig out the horns at appropriate

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 14 time and take out the BD-500 compost. The compost should be moist and should have a pleasing smell. Store the compost in earthen pots till its use. BD-500 can be used in any crop twice, first dose is to be applied a day before sowing and second dose after 20 days of seedling emergence. For best results it should be applied close to full moon days. BD-500 applied during low-moon or no-moon days will not be that effective. b. Method of application – Mix 30 gm of BD-500 in about 13 lit of rain or fresh tube-well water. Stir the solution with hand for one hour. Apply this suspension with the help of Knapsac sprayer on soil surface or as foliar spray. The best time of application is close to sunset. BD-500 application encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms and earthworms, promote rooting process and harvest terrestrial forces for better crop growth and increased biological activity in the soil.

Biodynamic formulation 501 (BD-501) In this formulation fine powder of quartz silica is filled in empty cow-horn shells and kept buried in soil for six months during hot summer season. Opposed to BD-500, the silica filled horns are buried during March-April (Chaitra Navratra) and taken out during Oct.-Nov. (Kwar Navratra). BD-501 is used as foliar spray and is known to be promoting photosynthetic activity of the plants, resulting into better growth of the plants and better quality of grains and fruits. 1gm BD-501 is sufficient for one acre. Mix 1gm BD-501 in 13 lit of water and mix by whirling for one hour. Apply this suspension in the field as fine mist spray. BD-501 should be applied in early morning hours when there is mild breeze. BD-501 is to be applied first at 3-4 leaf stage followed by two more application at an interval of 30 days. BD-501 also acts as prophylactic agent and helps in prevention of many fungal diseases such mildews and blights.

Cow-pat Pit (CPP) It is a biodynamic field preparation and is also called as ‘Soil Shampoo’. CPP is a strong . It enhances germination, promotes rooting in cutting and grafts, improves soil texture, provides resistance power to plants against pests and diseases, replenishes and rectifies the trace element deficiency. CPP is used to improve soil fertility before sowing and also as seed treatment and foliar application.

Preparation Prepare a brick lined pit measuring 90 x 60 cm and 30 cm deep without any lining in the bottom. Mix 60 kg fresh cow dung with 200gm crushed and powdered egg shells and 300 gm basalt dust (or blue granite dust or bore well soil). Mix thoroughly to obtain smooth paste. Fill the mixture in to pit up to 12 cm height. Dig 5 holes in the paste and put one teaspoon full (3 gm each) of preparation 502 to 506 in each hole. Preparation 507 is mixed with water and half is poured in one hole and half sprinkled over the entire surface. Cover the surface with wet gunny bag.

After four weeks, aerate the dung by turning it with the help of a fork. Smooth out again and cover. Thereafter turn every week. CPP compost will be ready in 12 weeks time.

Application

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 15 CPP can be used in various ways depending upon the requirement and crop/plants. Use 100 gm CPP/acre, mix with BD 500 or 501 and use as spray. CPP can be used as soil inoculant (@ 2 kg/acre) mixed with composts. CPP can also be used as foliar spray (@ 5kg/acre) right from the beginning of crop to up to fruit/pod formation stage with an interval of 7 to 15 days. CPP can also be used as paste on stem of fruit trees. CPP can also be used as inoculant to biodynamic composts in place of 502 to 507.

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 16 Biofertilizers

Biofertilizers or microbial fertilizers or more appropriately ‘microbial inoculants’ are preparations containing live or latent cells of efficient strain of micro-organisms used for seed or soil application with the objective of increasing the numbers of such microorganisms in soil or rhizosphere and consequently improve the extent of microbiologically fixed N for plant growth.

Biofertilizers are inputs containing micro-organisms which are capable of mobilizing nutritive elements from non-usable form to usable form through biological processes. The beneficial microbes in the soil which are of greater significance to horticultural crops are the biological nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers and the mycorrhizal fungi.

Types of Biofertilizers There are 6 types of biofertilizers: 1. Biological N-fixing micro-organisms. 2. Phophate solubilizing and mobilizing micro-organisms. 3. Potash solubilizing micro-organisms. 4. Sulphur mobilizing micro-organisms. 5. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. 6. Growth promoting substance excreting micro-organisms.

1. Biological Nitrogen - Fixing Micro-organisms

The N- fixing organisms associated with horticultural crops are the Rhizobium spp. which live in symbiotic association with roots of leguminous vegetables forming nodules and free living fixers – Azotobacter spp. and Azospirillum spp. which live in association with root system of crop plants.

1. Rhizobium: Rhizobium symbiotically fix N with leguminous plants increasing the amount of available N for uptake by plants. The quantum of N fixation ranges from 50- 300 kg N/ha/crop under most optimum conditions. An increase in yield of about 10 to 20% has been observed in pulses treated with Rhizobium.

2. Azotobacter is a free living aerobic N-fixing bacterium (fixes about 10-25 kg N/ha/season) which is commonly found to be involved in close association with crops. 50% of N fertilizer application can be reduced through Azotobacter inoculation along with FYM. A. chroococcum is the dominant species in arable soils. A. chroococcum, A. vinelandii, A. beijerinki and A. paspali are known to form cysts to withstand adverse conditions. These bacteria are also known to produce plant growth substances (IAA, gibberallins, Vitamin B, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acids, biotin and heteroauxin) which have beneficial effect on crop growth. It also acts as a crop protectant, since it releases antimetabolites which protect

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 17 from root pathogens (Fusarium, Alternaria and Trichoderma). Vegetable crops in general (tomato, brinjal and cabbage) responded better to Azotobacter inoculation than other crops. It can also be used in fruit, plantation, spice and flower crops.

3. Azospirilla are a group of bacteria found in association with the root system of many crop plants. Azospirillum is known to fix nitrogen from 15 to 40 kg/ha. Azospirillum inoculation helps the plants in better vegetative growth and also in saving inputs of nitrogenous fertilizers by 25-30%. Four species of Azospirillum have been identified (A. lipoferum, A. brasiliense, A. amazonense and A. irakense). A. lipoferum and A. brasiliense are common in Indian soils. A reduction in the requirement of N by 25% to the crops receiving Azospirillum treatment is reported besides favourable effect on yield. The yield increase due to Azospirillum is mostly attributed to its capacity to produce hormones which establish early seedling vigour. A. bangalorense can fix 40 kg N/ha in the cortical cells of tomato cv. Pusa Ruby. Azospirillum biofertilizer can be used in fruit, vegetable and flower crops in which 11% yield increase can be obtained.

4. Azolla – for Rice 5. Beijerinckia - Its production is high in acidic soils. B. indica is a common species. B. flumineuris, B. mobilis and B. derxii are other species found in the tropical soils. It is generally present in the rhizosphere of plantation crops such as coconut, arecanut, cashew, cocoa and pepper.

2. Phosphate Solubilizing and Mobilizing Micro-Organisms

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 18 It is known that Indian soils are very poor in phosphorus (P) content. Only about 25-30% of the applied P becomes available to the crop and the remaining part gets converted into insoluble/unavailable forms. It has been estimated that about 130 million tonnes of low grade P deposited (non-available) in our soil, but plant can not utilize this P directly. There are specific microorganisms which can soloubilize this P from non-available form to available form. Several soil bacteria (Pseudomonas, Bacillus) and fungi (Pencillium, Aspergillus) possess the ability to bring insoluble phosphates in soil into soluble forms. Addition of these organisms (Bacillus megaterium, B. arculans, B. subtilis, Pseudomonas striata, Aspergillus awamori, Pencillium digitatum) to the soil increases the availability of phosphorus thereby saving the input of P. Bacteria and fungi solubilize bound phosphates in the soil by secreting organic acids such as formic, acetic, propionic, lactic, glycolic, fumaric and succinic acids which contribute about 10–25 kg P2O5/ha/season. These acids lower pH and bring about dissoloution of bound form of phosphate. Some acids chelate with Ca and Fe resulting in effective solubilization and utilization of phosphate by crop plants.

Indigenous and cheap source of P like rock phosphate can be more effectively used with these bio-inoculants. The most important mineral phosphate solubilizers are Pseudomonas striata, P. flourescens, Bacillus polymyxa among bacteria, and Aspergillus awamori, A. flavus, A. niger and Pencillium spp. among fungi.

3. Potash Mobilizing Micro-organisms

It is known that Indian soils are moderate in potash (K) content. It is generally known that, directly and indirectly, K is a factor in the assimilation of CO2 by plants. The plants well supplied with K contain more carbohydrates than plants deficient in this element.

Chandra et al. (1998) have isolated K mobilizing bacterium for the first time which is capable of mobilizing elementary or fixed K into a usable form to the plants. The mobilizing power is so high that it can save up to 50-60% of the cost of K fertilizer. The bacterium, Frateuria aurantia (Family: Pseudomonadaceae) was isolated from banana plant from Orissa soil. The bacterium has a solubilizing power of 90% within 22 days when the mineral source of K is in fixed form. The bacterium was tested on banana and paddy which increased the yield by 20 and 25%, respectively. It can be used as soil application for all types of crops at 2.5 kg/ha. It has to be mixed with 200-500 kg FYM in furrows before sowing. The bacterium can save up to 50-60% of the cost of chemical K fertilizer. F. aurantia has been reported to increase maximum level of K availability to the magnitude of 5-60 kg/ha.

4. Sulphur Mobilizing Micro-organisms

Chandra et al. (1998) isolated the bacterium, Acetobacter pasteurianus which secretes the sulphur and makes it available to the plants in usable form. Sulphur present as insoluble sulphate form, are formed 30-35 cm deep in soil and are associated with

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 19 oxides of Iron and Aluminium. A. pasteurianus helps in converting this non-usable form to usable form. The use of 625 g/ha of A. pasteurianus influenced the levels of sulphur in crops like vegetables, cabbage, turnip, onion, etc.

5. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF)

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi develop both intra and extra metrical hyphae that extends far areas away from the roots and increases the absorptive surface area of the P by mycorrhizal root system. AMF improve plant growth through better uptake of nutrients like P, Zn, Cu, etc. and make the root zone inamicable to root pathogens. They improve the activity of beneficial soil microorganisms like N-fixers and P-solubilizers. AMF also help the plant to withstand water stress and transplant shock. They are obligate symbionts and can be used for transplanted crops like chilli, tomato, brinjal, potato, grapevine, apple, banana, tea, coffee, cocoa, rubber etc. AMF can be inoculated to nursery beds at 2 kg/sq. m. and precolonized seedlings can be transplanted to harness the benefits of mycorrhization. AMF saves 25 – 50 kg P/ha in addition to enhancement of yield to an extent of 10-12%.

The most common mycorrhizal fungi belong to the genera Glomus, Gigaspora, Acaulospora and Scelerocystis (Family-Endogonaceae, Order-Mucorales, Class- Phycomycetes).

6. Growth Promoting Substance Excreting Micro-organisms

The specific strain of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) could colonize roots of crops like potato, beet root, apple and legumes. They enhance plant growth indirectly by depriving the harmful micro-organisms of iron (Fe+++) in their energy metabolism via production of extra cellular iron chartora, thereby allowing the plant to achieve more of its growth potential. PGPR belong to many genera including Agrobacterium, Arthrobacter, Azotobacter, Bacillus,Pseudomonas, Cellulomonas, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Florabacterium and Rhizobium.

Method of application: Biofertilizers can be applied to different crops and plants by three different ways. 1. Seed treatment Suspend 200 gm each of nitrogen fixing and PSB in 300-400 ml of water and mix thoroughly. Pour this slurry on 10 to 12 kg of seed and mix by hands, till all the seeds are uniformly coated. Dry the treated seeds in shade and sow immediately. For acidic and alkaline soils it is always advisable to use 1 kg of slacked lime or gypsum powder respectively for coating the wet biofertilizer treated seeds. 2. Seedling root dip treatment: - Suspend 1 to 2 kg each of nitrogen fixing (Azotobacter/Azospirillum) and PSB into just sufficient quantity of water (5-10 lit depending upon the quantity of seedlings required to be planted in one acre). Dip the

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, Sr. Scientist (Hort) CoA, JNKVV, JabalpurPage 20 roots of seedlings in this suspension for 20-30 min before transplanting. 3. Soil treatment: - For soil treatment depending upon the total number of plants per acre 2-4 kg of Azotobacter/Azospirillum and 2-4 kg of PSB are required for one acre. Mix two types of biofertilizer in 2-4 liters of water separately and sprinkle this suspension on two separate heaps of 50-100 kg of compost. Mix the two heaps separately and leave for incubation overnight. After 12 hours, mix the two heaps together. For acidic soils mix 25 kg lime with this mixture. In fruits/plantation crops apply this mixture at the root zones by dibbling. In some field crops the mixture is broadcast evenly in the moist field and mixed with soil just before sowing. In potato it is to be applied after 20 days of planting or at the time of earthing-up operations. In case of

Other Organic Inputs

Preparation of Beejamruta – Put 5 kg fresh cow dung in a cloth bag and suspend in a container filled with water to extract the soluble ingredients of dung. Suspend 50 g lime in 1 lit water separately. After 12 – 16 hours squeeze the bag to collect extract and add 5 lit cow urine, 50 gm virgin forest soil, lime water and 20 lit water. Incubate for 8-12 hours. Filter the contents. The filtrate is used for seed treatment. Sanjivak – Mix 100 kg cow dung, 100 lit cow urine and 500 gm jaggary in 300 lit of water in a 500-lit closed drum. Ferment for 10 days. Dilute with 20 times water and sprinkle in one acre either as soil spray or along with irrigation water. Jivamrut – Mix cow dung 10 kg, cow urine 10 lit, Jaggary 2 kg, any pulse grain flour 2 kg and Live forest soil 1 kg in 200 lit water. Ferment for 5 to 7 days. Stir the solution regularly three times a day. Use in one acre with irrigation water. Amritpani - Mix 10 kg cow dung with 500 gm honey and mix thoroughly to form a creamy paste. Add 250 gm of cow desi ghee and mix at high speed. Dilute with 200 lit water. Sprinkle this suspension in one acre over soil or with irrigation water. After 30 days apply second dose in between the row of plants or through irrigation water. Panchgavya – Mix fresh cow dung 5 kg, cow urine 3 lit, cow milk 2 lit, curd 2 lit, cow butter oil 1 kg and ferment for 7 days with twice stirring per day. Dilute 3 lit of Panchgavya in 100 lit water and spray over soil. 20 lit panchgavya is needed per acre for soil application along with irrigation water. Enriched Panchgavya (or Dashagavya) – Ingredients - cow dung 5 kg, cow urine 3 lit, cow milk 2 lit, curd 2 lit, cow deshi ghee 1 kg, sugarcane juice 3 lit, tender coconut water 3 lit, banana paste of 12 fruits and toddy or grape juice 2 lit. Mix cow dung and ghee in a container and ferment for 3 days with intermittent stirring. Add rest of the ingredients on the fourth day and ferment for 15 days with stirring twice daily. The formulation will be ready in 18 days. Sugarcane juice can be replaced with 500 g jaggery in 3 lits water. In case of non-availability of toddy or grape juice 100g yeast powder mixed with 100 g jaggery and 2 lit of warm water can also be used. For foliar spray 3-4 lit panchgavya is diluted with 100lit water. For soil application 50 lit panchagavya is sufficient for one ha. It can also be used for seed treatment.

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