MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS (2+1)

Bio inputs in organic production and other versions of organic farming

Bio manures
Bio manures though contain less quantity of essential nutrients, they help to build the capacity of the soil to generate its own nutrients. They help to enrich the humus, sustain microflora, accelerates soil dynamics. They help the plants to become sturdier and tolerant to pests and diseases. Farm yard manure is a universally accepted bio manure while goat manure is supposed to be superior but its availability is limited. The poultry manure is available in bulk but should be used after an year without complete degradation. Poultry manure is suggested to crops which require irrigation once in five days. Organic cakes viz., neem, castor, groundnut, pungam etc., are enriched form of organics which are to be applied in lesser quantities. Pressmud is composted and now made available as manure but cost is prohibitive. Vermicompost is most sought after item and can be produced within the farm. It is best suited for high value medicinal plants. Vermi wash and casting are enriched form of vermi compost.

Bio fertilizers
Many of the fungi and bacteria are useful to upgrade the soil quality and helps for maximum root ramification and absorption of elements by plants VAM (Vascular Arbuscular Mycorhizae), phosphobacteria, rhizobial cultures, azospirillum, blue green algae and azolla are few bio inputs which are largely in use whether organic cultivation is practiced or otherwise.

Bio control agents
Herbal pesticides are made out of plant extracts. The plants which are non-browsable by animals are best source of herbal pesticides. The leaf or whole plant or urine extracts acts as a pesticide. Calatropis, Prosopis, Aloe, Clerodendron, Vitex, Neem are few examples. The composition and quantity may vary for each kind of pest and disease. Further, some of the fungi (Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescence, Pseudomonas harzianum) can act against many of the harmful fungi and bacteria and safeguard the soil environment.

Bio promoters
Panchagavya, a product combination of cows dung, urine, curd, milk and ghee acts as a growth promoter as well as immunity booster. It has its roots in vriksayurveda and now made applicable to plants, animals and human as a remedy to many of the ailments. Cow’s urine is patented by CSIR in US patent office for its efficacy to enhance the potency of antibiotics. Manchurian tea decoction and moringa leaf extract also possess the same efficacy as that of panchagavya.