The Reality of Chemical Fertilizers
Using chemical fertilizers on uncultivated land initially works like magic for crop production. However, over time, it is observed that the amount of chemical fertilizers needs to be increased while yields decrease. Continuous use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides reduces the effectiveness of beneficial organisms like earthworms and microbes in the soil, leading to the destruction of essential soil organisms. This disrupts nutrient recycling, making the soil progressively infertile. As a result, soil denitrification increases nitrogen loss as gas, reducing organic matter and pushing the soil towards degradation. This process accelerates soil erosion and nutrient wastage, breaking down the soil’s basic structure and increasing the proportion of sand. Eventually, loamy soil transforms into sandy soil. To maintain soil structure, it is necessary to purify the soil and provide appropriate organic nutrients.
Soil Purification:
Continuous chemical usage has brought beneficial soil microorganisms to the brink of extinction. In some cases, soil purification involves burning or applying bleaching agents to the land, which should be avoided as it destroys many beneficial organisms, bacteria, and insects. Therefore, purifying contaminated and nearly dead soil is crucial for revival. Nowadays, various methods are used for soil purification. We will emphasize biological purification using the liquid probiotics solution (Jivamrit or Jivam Bandhu) and Panchagavya, developed by Padma Shri awardee and natural farming researcher from India, Shri Subhash Palekar. Additionally, methods like solarization, dolomite application, and cultivating crops like Sesbania, legumes, soybeans, and jute can purify contaminated soil and increase fertility.
Preparation of Probiotics (Jivamrit/Jivam Bandhu):
Ingredients
- A 220-liter empty drum
- 160-170 liters of clean water
- 10 kg of indigenous cow dung
- 10 liters of indigenous cow urine
- 1-2 kg of jaggery
- 1-2 kg of gram flour – A handful of virgin soil (soil from the base of a large tree or bamboo grove)
Steps to Prepare Probiotics:
The liquid Jivamrit is a completely natural probiotic solution developed by renowned Indian natural farming researcher Shri Subhash Palekar. It can both purify the soil and enhance its fertility. Below are the steps to prepare this probiotic solution:
1. In a 220-liter empty drum, add 10 kg of fresh indigenous cow dung.
2. Add 10 liters of indigenous cow urine and 100 liters of water.
3. Gradually mix in 1-2 kg of jaggery, a handful of virgin soil, and 1-2 kg of gram flour.
4. Leave 5-6 inches of space at the top of the drum and mix the solution well using a large stick, stirring clockwise for 3-4 minutes.
5. Cover the drum with a cloth and place it in a shaded area or under a large tree.
6. Stir the solution three times daily at specific times. The solution will be ready for use after 72 hours.
7. When applying to the soil, dilute the solution with ten times the amount of water and thoroughly wet the soil using a sprayer machine. For purifying 33 decimals of soil, using at least 600 liters of prepared probiotics is recommended. Apply the solution three times in three weeks: once after 7 days and again after another 7 days. This process will purify the soil, activating numerous probiotics and aiding humus formation.
Application Method of Natural Probiotics:
From soil purification to seed sowing and crop harvesting, the application method for 1 bigha (33 decimals) of land is as follows:
1. Step 1: During soil preparation or before seed sowing, apply 600 liters (200 liters per application) of solution over three weeks.
2. Step 2: 15-20 days after seed sowing or transplanting, mix 5 liters of probiotics with 50 liters of water and spray on the seedlings.
3. Step 3: 30-35 days after seed sowing or transplanting, mix 5 liters of probiotics with 50 liters of water and spray on the plants.
4. Step 4: 45-60 days after seed sowing or transplanting, mix 10 liters of probiotics with 100 liters of water and spray on the plants.
5. Step 5: 60-90 days after seed sowing or transplanting, mix 15 liters of probiotics with 150 liters of water and spray on the plants.
For quarterly, semi-annual, or annual crops, apply 20-25 liters of probiotic solution mixed with 200-250 liters of water thoroughly on the crops up to 20 days before harvesting.