Harnessing Microbial Properties of Natural Farming Components for Soil and Crop Health Improvement: A Review

The production and use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and weedicides has increased many times in agriculture. Conventionally managed agriculture used different types of synthetic fertilizers in the farming system to increase productivity. Apart from their intended benefits, the utilization of chemical-synthetic plant protection products (CSPs) poses various hazards to both human health and the environment, including biodiversity. The present application of pesticides has been identified as a primary factor contributing to the decline in biodiversity (Class-Mahler et al., 2023). Heavy utilization of pesticides has been associated with risks to both the environment and human health. (Jahnke and Bieling, 2023). Heavy use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers can contaminate the soil profile and leach down to enter groundwater, especially heavy metals like Cd, Cu, Mn and Zn. The uptake of these heavy metals by plants holds in sink parts for a longer time and people who consume these plant products suffer serious health consequences (Alengebawy et al., 2021; Barabasz et al., 2002). According to the WHO reports, more than 50% of foods contain chemical residues that are carcinogenic in nature (Prasad, 2016). 

Modern agriculture’s expansion and intensification pose one of the biggest risks to global biodiversity and, consequently, food security (Kavitha and Chandran, 2017). Intensively use of agrochemicals is reducing the soil microbial diversity, soil organic carbon and increasing the soil erosion (Schiavon et al., 1996; Shaikh and Gachande, 2013) and also cause serious soil degradation through nitrogen leaching, soil compaction and reduction in soil organic matter; resulted crop yields decrement over time. Moreover, these chemicals kill natural soil microflora and pollinators that are useful for higher crop production (Horrigan et al., 2002). Vidyavathi et al., (2012) found that continuous chemical nutrient management approaches significantly reduce soil fertility. Presently, there is a need for an alternative and sustainable approach to conventional farming, eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In order to mitigate adverse environmental impacts of these chemicals and improve soil quality. We have to focus on sustainable agricultural systems that minimize reliance on external inputs, particularly fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. (Moonen and Barberi, 2008). Natural farming is the only sustainable way to regenerate soil health and it is also called “Zero Budget Farming”.

Natural farming is an emerging concept that is gaining popularity as an effective method to reduce the usage of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in agriculture to reduce input cost. Natural Farming can be defined as “chemical- free and livestock-based farming”. With the integration of crops, trees and livestock, it is a diversified farming system that makes the best use of functional biodiversity. Natural farming has the potential to increase farmers’ income while also providing many other advantages, including the lowering or reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the restoration of soil fertility and environmental health. Natural farming is considered as a type of regenerative agriculture internationally- a well-known method of protecting the environment. It has the potential to manage land use and store carbon from the atmosphere in soils and plants, where it will be beneficial instead of harmful (NITI Ayog, 2021; Choudhary et al., 2023).

‘Natural farming’ is a term which recently become well-known because of M. Fukuaka, a Japanese agriculturalist. In India, natural farming get popularity due to Subhash Palekar. On the other hand, natural farming methods promote the use of locally available cow dung, cow urine and other materials to make natural manure and plant protection. Therefore, farmers need not borrow money from money leaders to purchase fertilizers and pesticides. This way, NF supports farmers economically and called Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) (Ipsita Ojah et al., 2023). Only nature-based product used in natural farming which can produce healthy food, keep us healthy and maintain the health of soil too. The key to natural farming is minimizing the external inputs which negatively impact the soil composition on the farm (Devarinti, 2016).

Previous literature often overlooks the scientific intricacies behind Natural Farming (NF), concentrating primarily on its historical context and impact on farmers’ livelihoods. However, there exists a notable gap in understanding the science driving NF formulations. This review aims to fill this void by presenting a comprehensive exploration of various formulations, encompassing their composition, application techniques, scientific underpinnings and resulting effects.
 
Science behind natural farming
 
Natural farming (NF), established on its four fundamental pillars (Table 1), serves as the cornerstone of this agricultural methodology, providing the essential foundation upon which its efficacy and sustainability are anchored.



Natural farming is a multifaceted approach that encompasses a diverse range of inputs, each play distinct roles as growth promoters, protectors against pests and diseases and contributors to overall soil health. Central to Fig 1, various microbial activities associated with these inputs, which exert both direct and indirect influences on plant growth and protection. Natural farming practices are interconnected and contribute to various mechanisms that improve soil health, nutrient availability and water efficiency, leading to a more resilient agricultural system and potentially higher crop yields with better carbon accumulation in the soil (Mishra et al., 2023).



Jivamrit and Beejamrit are one of the natural farming pillar that work as microbial inoculums to the soil through soil application and seed treatment to boost the growth of soil microflora, protecting plant seed and seedling from soil/seed borne disease, pest and enriching the soil with nutrient. Natural pesticide formulations such as Neemastra and Brahmastra made mainly from different leaves, cow dung and cow urine (Devarinti, 2016).

NF Inputs are mainly consists of cow dung, urine, jaggery, pulse flour, uncontaminated soil, etc. Cow dung and cow urine are rich in amino acids, that increase the nitrogen percentage and population of beneficial microorganisms (Bindushree et al., 2023). Jaggery is a rich source of potassium, containing approximately 1056 mg per 100 g (Nath, A., et. al. 2015). Potassium is a quality nutrient for plants and it required in large amounts for growth, reproduction and also help in drought resistance. In natural farming inputs preparation, gram flour is one of the main ingredients which contains huge amount of amino acids. These amino acids help to enhance population of beneficial microflora. This higher beneficial microflora help to healthier root system that protect plant from diseases and maintain effectiveness under adverse conditions (Boye et al., 2010 and Esmat et al., 2010).

Among these jivamrit and beejamrit are the one of the best, which contains almost essential plant nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese etc.), enzymes (acid phosphatise, alkaline phosphatise, dehydrogenase etc.) and microbes (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, free living nitrogen fixers and phosphorus solubilising organisms), which directly enhances plant metabolism resulting better growth and development (Bhadu et al., 2023). These natural farming formulations support microbial growth, soil health maintenance and improved crop yield. To maintain soil health, it is essential to maintain a healthy microbial population and this is where natural farming is so important. In natural farming, various formulations help to control pest infestations like Neemastra, Brahmastra, Agniastra, Dashaparni ark, etc. By avoiding the use of chemicals fertilizers and pesticides, natural farming fosters a healthy soil ecosystem where diverse microorganisms thrive, enhancing both plant growth and overall soil fertility (Ipsita Ojah et al., 2023). Natural inputs can improve soil aeration, organic carbon, microbial activity and water holding capacity (Korat and Mathukia, 2022).
 
Natural farming components
 
Natural farming comprises various components including Beejamrit, Jivamrit, Whapasa, Mulching and Plant Protection Formulation (Fig 2). These components serve multiple purposes such as seed treatment, growth promotion and plant protection. Jivamrit and Ghanajivamrit are utilized as growth promoters, Beejamrit is employed for seed treatment, while Neemastra, Brahmastra, Agniastra, Dashaparni Ark, etc., are utilized for plant protection (NITI Ayog, 2021).


 
Beejamrit
 
Beejamrit is an ancient, sustainable agriculture technique for treatment of seeds, seedlings, or any other planting material. Young roots are effectively protected from fungus by it. As a seed treatment, Beejamrit is a fermented microbial solution that is rich in microbes that are beneficial for plants. It is expected that the helpful microbes will colonize the seeds, roots and leaves and support in the plants’ healthy growth (NITI Ayog, 2021). In various websites and research/review papers different terminology has been used like beejamrit, bijamrita, beejamrutha, etc. (Badwal et al., 2019; Devakumar et al., 2014; NITI Ayog, 2021 and Goveanthan, 2020).

Ingredients
 
• 5 kg cow dung,
• 5 L cow urine,
• 50 g lime,
• 50 g uncontaminated soil,
• 20 L water
 
Preparation
 
To prepare the beejamrit, following the steps given in Fig 3 (Devvrat, 2023).


 
Applications
 
• 20 L of Beejamrit are used to treat 100 kg of seeds.
• For all crops: Add beejamrit to the seeds, coat them by mixing by hand, dry them well before sowing.
• For leguminous seeds: Dip the seeds quickly in beejamrit and let them dry.
 
Function
 
Beejamrit is used for natural seed treatment that is effective in protecting young roots from soilborne diseases and seedborne diseases that commonly affect plants during germination. It is also helpful in producing IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) and GA (gibberellic acid), which are plant hormones that promote growth and development of plant (Sreenivasa et al., 2010).
 
Finding
 
Mukherjee et al., (2022) reported that beejamrit was potential sources of enriched microbial niches, including several bacteria that can synthesize plant growth hormones that promote plant growth. Population of beneficial bacteria for plants, such as free-living nitrogen fixers (FNFs) and phosphate solubilizers (PSBs), gradually increase up to 4 and 5 days of incubation, respectively in beejamrit. Additionally, Mukherjee et al., (2022) also concluded beejamrit contain indolic content, which includes indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), whose concentration further varies depending on the incubation times required during the beejamrit preparation. Beejamrit also provides crop plants access to a dynamic, microbe-based metabolic network and it act as a plant bio stimulant. Beejamrit capable to enhance seed germination, seedling survival rate and shoot length trait.

Beejamrit had the highest microbial population of bacteria, fungi, actinomycets, N-fixers and P-solubilizers on the day of preparation and thereafter, it gradually decreased until it was at its lowest on the 7^th day after preparation also recorded by Devakumar et al., (2014). Similarly, Bindushree et al., (2023) reported beejamrit’s population of plant-beneficial microbes, including bacteria, fungi, phosphate solubilizers and Pseudomonas, was 330x10⁵, 5x10⁴, 62x10⁴ and 79x10⁵ CFU/ml respectively on day of preparation. Up until the 4^th day of preparation, the free-living nitrogen fixers gradually increase in population upto 160x10⁴ CFU/ml. This liquid formulation not contain only beneficial microorganisms but also has contain macro- micro nutrients, many vitamins, essential amino acids and growth-promoting compounds like indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberallic acid (GA) because it consist cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, etc.

Jain et al., (2021) also reported higher total bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes count in beejamrit was 5.16x10⁸, 0.7x10⁵ and 0.6x10⁵ CFU/mL respectively. They also estimated of enzyme activities in beejamrit and they found 24.86 µg/mL acid phosphatase, 21.69 µg/mL alkaline phosphatase and 11.90 µg/mL dehydrogenase enzymatic activity.

Kaur and Rana, (2022) observed the inhibitory effect of beejamrit against fungal attack while they studying the efficacy of different organic inputs against Fusarium ginearum which cause head scab of wheat under in-vitro condition. They found 100% mycelium growth inhibition of Fusarium ginearum at concentration of 30% beejamrit.
 
Jivamrit
 
Jivamrit is a biostimulant to encourage the activity of soil-based microorganisms as well as the activity of phyllospheric microorganisms. It boosts the population of native earthworms and serves as a catalyst for microbial activity. The jivamrit can be stored for up to 15 days from day of preparation (NITI Ayog, 2021). In various websites and research/review paper different terminology was used like jivamrit, jiwamrita, jeevamrutha, dhravajeevamrutham and jeevamrutha etc. (Badwal et al., 2019; Devakumar et al., 2014; Duddigan et al., 2022; Goveanthan, 2020 and NITI Ayog, 2021).
 
Ingredients
 
• 10 kg of fresh cow dung.
• 5-10 L cow urine.
• 2 kg jaggery.
• 2 kg pulses’ flour.
• 1 kg uncontaminated soil.
• 200 L water.
 
Preparation
 
To prepare the jivamrit, following the steps given in Fig 4 (Devvrat, 2023).


 
Applications
 
• Jivamrit can be used on all types of plants in every two weeks, either by spraying it on the leaves or apply with the irrigation water. A volume of 200 L of jivamrit is adequate for the treatment of one acre of land.
• In fruit crops, jivamrit apply to each tree individually.
 
Function
 
• Jivamrit is applied to soil as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. Jivamrit stimulates microbial activity in the rhizosphere which helps to convert unavailable form plant nutrients to available form in root zone (Ipsita Ojah et al., 2023).
• Jivamrit has ability to increase plant growth and biological control of plant pathogens.
 
Finding
 
The vast microbial community within jivamrit thrives in the soil, serving as a tonic that enhances microbial activity. This heightened activity potentially contributes to the increased microbial population in the soil. Furthermore, jivamrit includes micronutrients alongside diverse microflora (Palekar, 2006).

Jivamrit formulation given by Subhas Palekar had a higher bacterial count. That mean jivamrit preparation ingredients such as cow dung, urine, jaggery, pulse flour and live soil direct and indirect take part in increase microbial population. Jivamrit also increase soil quality by increasing organic carbon, available phosphorus, available potassium and micronutrients such as Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn (Saharan, 2023). Jivamrit is best nutrient source which increases crop yield and also reduces incidence of insect pest and diseases (Mohammadi, 2018).

During the fermentation process, the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria found in cow dung and urine. These bacteria are multiply by consuming organic materials like pulse flour and jaggery. Native microbes and organisms can be boosted by adding a small amount of undisturbed soil. Jivamrit aids in the prevention of bacterial and fungal plant diseases. Most of the farmers in Maharashtra, India use drip irrigation to implement jivamrit. Jivamrit application increased crop yield and encouraged the growth of advantageous soil microbes (Shaikh and Gachande, 2015).

Jivamrit is a reservoir of beneficial soil bacteria such as Azotobacter sp., Actinomycetes and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. These microorganisms contribute to enhance crop productivity (Ram and Pathak, 2016). The actinomycetes present in Jivamrit might also possess toxic characteristics, potentially acting as entomopathogens. These actinomycetes are recognized for their ability to generate antibiotic compounds that can be detrimental to the early developmental stages of spider mites (Meltzer, 1972). Jivamrit had higher microbial population between 9th and 12^th day after preparation. Jivamrit contain higher numbers of bacterial population, including Azatobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Beijerinckia sp., Chromatium sp., Chromobacterium sp., Pseudomonas sp., Rhodomicrobium sp., Serretia sp. and Xanthomons sp. (Devakumar et al., 2014).

Jain et al., (2021) reported higher microbial number and enzymatic activities in jivamrit. They found higher bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes count in jivamrit 6.33 x10⁸, 0.51x10⁵ and 3x10⁵ CFU/mL respectively. They also estimated enzyme activities of jivamrit and they found that 6.72 µg/mL acid phosphatase, 13.34 µg/mL alkaline phosphatase and 2.77 µg/mL dehydrogenase enzymatic activity.

Meenakshi Dhiman et al., (2023) isolated 43 different bacteria from jivamrit. Among selected bacterial isolates 67.78% were P- solubilizers, 60.37% were Nitrogen fixer, 62.37% were siderophore producer, 34.29% were HCN producer, 45.88% were IAA producer and 78.22% showed antagonism against Pythium ginicolum and 74.81% showed antagonism against Collectotrichum capsici. Among them, Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. gave maximum plant growth promoting activity which can be used as biofertilizer.

Different doses of jivamrit application also affected microbial population of soil. Kumber and Devakumar (2016) reported 47.44x10⁶ CFU/g of soil bacterial population, 31.22x10⁴ CFU/g of soil fungal population and 31.44x10³ CFU/g of soil actinomycetes at the dose of at 2000 L/ha. Similarly, when jivamrit dose was 1500 L/ha than bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes population was 42.22x10⁶, 26.33x10⁴, 29.89x10³ CFU/g of soil, respectively. Jivamrit dose was 1000 L/ha than bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes population 35.78x10⁶, 21.33x10⁴ and 28.44x10³ CFU/g of soil, respectively. While no application of jivamrit occurred than bacterial, fugal and actinomycetes population was only 24.81x10⁶, 15.11x10⁴ and 21.11x10³ CFU/g of soil, respectively. Among four treatment 2000 L/ha dose of jivamrit had higher microbial population. They also found the population of P solubilizer 34.22x10⁵ and N-fixer 33.00x105 CFU/g of soil at 2000 L/ha dose.
 
Ghanajivamrit 
 
Ghanajivamrit is one type of jivamrit which was the solid form of jivamrit. Ghanajivamrit was made of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, plus flour and live soil which is a good source of microorganisms. Compared to jivamrit and FYM, ghanajivamrit had higher nutrient content and culturable microbial count. That’s microorganism increase soil fertility, organic carbon, availability of primary and secondary nutrients contents and microbial activity in soil (Devvrat, 2023; Bindushree et al., 2023). In various websites and research/review paper different terminology was used like ghanajivamrit, solid jiwamrita, ghanajeevamrutham etc (Duddigan et al., 2022).
 
Ingredients
 
• 100 kg of fresh cow dung.
• 1 kg jaggery.
• 2 kg pulses’ flour.
• 50 g uncontaminated soil.
•  Little amount of cow urine.
 
Preparation
 
To prepare the ghanajivamrit, following the steps given in Fig 5 (Devvrat, 2023).


 
Applications
 
• 100 kg per acre of ghanajivamrit can be used on any types of crops field.
• Dried ghanajivamrit can be stored up to 6 months.
 
Function
 
• Ghanajivamrit can be used as an alternative of basal chemical fertilizers dose which can boost the germination and growth of young seedlings.
• Ghanajivamrit can increase organic matter, nutrient content and microbial population in soil (Choudhary et al.,  2022).
 
Finding
 
Chaudhary et al., (2022) reported that ghanajivamrit application before sowing significantly affect microbial populations. Ghanajivamrit application increase population of bacterial from 16.1x10⁶ CFU/g to 16.7x10⁶ CFU/g, fungal from 5.2x10³ CFU/g to 6.2x10³ CFU/g and actinomycetes from 15.4x10⁵ CFU/g to 16.6x10⁵ CFU/g soil within one year. Ghanajivamrit also increase dehydrogenase activity from 2.76 to 2.78 µg TPF g^-1 soil/hr. Bindushree et al. (2023) also reported higher microbial load in ghanajivamrit. Bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes load was 183 ×10⁵ CFU/g, 20x10⁴ CFU/g and 56x10³ CFU/g of ghanajivamrit. Nitrogen fixer and phosphate solubilizer microorganisms of ghanajivamrit was found 42x10⁴ CFU/g and 28x10⁴ CFU/g of ghanajivamrit, respectively.
 
Achhadana (Mulching)
 
Mulching is a method used to protect soil by covering it with a combination of living plants and straw, which is essentially dead plant material. Its purpose is to retain moisture, keep the soil around plant roots cool, prevent erosion, reduce runoff and manage weed growth (NITI Ayog, 2021). By forming a barrier that reduces evaporation and blocks light, mulching effectively maintains soil moisture and inhibits weed growth. The main objective of mulching is to uniformly cover the soil while considering its environmental impact, such as ensuring it is biodegradable to minimize harm to the environment (Jacquiod et al., 2023).
 
Types of mulch
 
Soil mulch
 
Soil mulch prevents tilling from destroying topsoil during farming. It promotes aeration and water retention in the soil. Because of this, deep ploughing can be avoided. This can reduce weed germination, cost of cultivation and increase soil moisture holding capacity (Mishra, 2023).
 
Straw mulch
 
Dried vegetation of any crop, farm stubble, such as dried biomass waste, etc., is used as mulch. It protects the soil from direct sunlight, cold, rain, evaporation and other components. Furthermore, seeds are protected from birds, insects and animals by residue mulch. This residue can be increasing organic matters after decomposition (NITI Ayog, 2021).
 
Live Mulch
 
Live mulching is the practice of growing multiple crops or intercropping short-lived crops between the rows of a primary crop. For the plant to provide all the necessary nutrients, it is advised that monocotyledons and dicotyledons be planted together in the same field. While dicots, like pulses, are nitrogen-fixing plants, monocots, like wheat and rice, provide nutrients like potash, phosphate and sulphur (NITI Ayog, 2021).
 
Whapasa
 
Whapasa is the mixture of 50% air and 50% water vapour between two soil particles, is the soil’s microclimate, on which soil organisms and roots depend for the majority of their moisture and their nutrients. It also enhances water availability, increases water use efficiency and boosts drought resistance (NITI Ayog, 2021).

Whapasa condition increases the population of microorganisms that help with nutrient solubilization in the root zone and enhance nutrient uptake, which ultimately results in an increase in grain and stover yield. Whapasa improved the soil aeration and reduce the tillage (Kumar et al., 2023).

For achieving the whapasa condition following the steps given in Fig 6 (Devvrat, 2023).


 
Plant protection
 
In natural farming, various natural formulation are used for the pest and diseases control of crops like neemastra, brahmastra, dashparni ark, chhasastra and agniastra. These inputs made of different trees leaves and natural ingredients which have antibacterial capabilities like buttermilk, lime etc. according to pest or disease incidence (NITI Ayog, 2021). Various plant protection formulations exhibit varying degrees of antifungal efficacy depending on the type of infestation they encounter (Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4).






 
Neemastra
 
Neemastra is made up of water, cow dung, cow urine and neem leaves. Neemastra is used to kill insects or larvae that eat plant foliage and suck plant sap as well as to prevent or treat diseases. Additionally, this helps in reducing the growth of harmful pests. Neemastra work as bioinsecticide and pest repellent for natural farming that is also very simple to prepare. All the sucking pests, jassids, aphids, white fly and small caterpillars are controlled by neemastra (Sarma and Dutta, 2024 and NITI Ayog, 2021).
 
Ingredient
 
• 200 L water.
• 2 kg cow dung.
• 10 L cow urine.
• 10 kg fine paste of neem leaves.
 
Preparation
 
To prepare the neemastra, following the steps given in Fig 7 (Sarma and Dutta, 2024).


 
Application
 
Apply the prepared solution directly to the crop using a foliar spray after filtering it through a muslin cloth. Water shouldn’t be added to dilute it. It can be kept for up to six months before use.
 
Function
 
Neemastra controls the all type of sucking pests, jassids, aphids, white fly and small caterpillars (Sarma and Dutta, 2024).
 
Finding
 
The main component of neemastra is neem leaves or seeds. Main chemical compound in neem is azadirachtin, which is well-known for being a key component in several insecticides. Azadirachtin is a complex compound synthesized as a secondary metabolite having wide array of acaricidal activity such as antifeedant, fecundity deterrence, preventing oviposition and halting males’ sperm production, it induces sterility in insects and functions as an antifeedant, repellent and repugnant agent (Bezzar-Bendjazia et al.,  2017; Chaudhary et al.,  2017). Sharmila et al., (2015) evaluated that azadirachtin showed highest antifeedant effect (100%) against Pieris brassicae after 24 hrs of treatment. Badiyala and Sharma (2013) and Thakur and Sood (2019) also reported toxic effect of neem effective against Helicoverpa armigera and Agrotis ipsilon with LC50 value of 0.0045 per cent and 0.0051 per cent, respectively.

Neemastra showed significant inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus as well as Proteus vulgaris (Charapale et al., 2021a). Similarly, neemastra had capacity to 80% inhibition of Aspergillus niger and 76.6% inhibition of Pythium aphanidermatum (Charapale et al., 2021b). Neemastra were found effective to manage root knot nematodes and reduce RKI significantly (Maru et al., 2021). Neemastra is also effective against some fungi, bacteria and pests as given in Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4, respectively.
 
Brahmastra
 
It is prepared from different types of bitter leaves. Neem leaves are mixed with other leaves that have a bitter taste, such as custard apples, chilies, etc. This is a natural insecticide made from leaves that contain particular alkaloids that keep off pests. It eliminates all sucking insects and hidden caterpillars that inhabit fruit and seed pods (NITI Ayog, 2021).
 
Ingredient
 
• 20 L cow urine.
• 2 kg neem leaves.
• 2 kg karanj leaves.
• 2 kg custard apple leaves.
• 2 kg datura leaves.
 
Preparation
 
To prepare the brahmastra, following the steps given in Fig 8 (Sarma and Dutta, 2024).


 
Application
 
6-8 L of brahmastra diluted in 200 L of water can be used as the foliar spray on the standing crop. Ratio of brahmastra and water can be changed depending upon the severity of pest attack as follows:
• 100 L of water +3 L of Brahmastra (3%)
• 15 L of water + 500 ml of Brahmastra (3.3%)
• 10 L of water + 300 ml of Brahmastra (3%)
 The solution can be stored for 6 months.
 
Function
 
It helps to control sucking pests and hidden caterpillars that are present in pods and fruits.
 
Finding
 
The presence of some specific alkaloid compounds in the plant extract gives brahmastra its potential to act as a biopesticide by reducing the population of sucking insects. It contains various types of plant leaf extracts. This extract contains biologically active organic ingredients that have pesticide and repellent properties used for the management of pest organisms (Asogwaet et al., 2010). Bhullar, (2021) reported that 90% reduction in mite population at 5% dilution of brahmastra. Brahmastra is also effective against certain fungi, bacteria and pests, as detailed in Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4, respectively.
 
Agniastra
 
Agniastra is complete natural pesticide prepared using traditional Indian techniques. Agniastra, a natural product, has the ability to eradicate all pests from crops and plants, including white worms and leaf worms (NITI Ayog, 2021).
 
Ingredient
 
• 20 L cow urine.
• 2 kg pulp of neem leaves.
• 500 g tobacco powder.
•  500 g green chilli.
• 250 g garlic paste.
• 200 g turmeric powder.
 
Preparation
 
To prepare the agniastra, following the steps given in Fig 9 (Sarma and Dutta, 2024).


 
Application
 
6-8 L of agniastra should be taken and diluted in 200 L of water for spraying. The following ratio are to be followed based on the severity of pest attack.
• 100 L of water + 3 L of agniastra.
• 15 L of water + 500 ml of agniastra.
• 10 L of water + 300 ml of agniastra.
The solution can be stored for use up to 3 months.
 
Function
 
It is effective in controlling all sucking pests and caterpillars.
 
Finding
 
According to Gupta et al. (2020), 2% concentration of Agniastra is most effective and gave 91.81% juvenile mortality of M. incognita. Agniastra also inhibites the egg hatching of Meloidogyne incognita at 2%. Maru et al., (2021) reported that agniastra at 800 ml/10 L of water showed the greatest reduction in Root Knot Index (RKI). Because it contains tobacco dust, neem leaf paste, garlic paste, green chili paste and other ingredients that may help to reduce RKI. Several scientists have nematicidal effects of reported tobacco dust’s due to nicotine chemical compound. According to Agbenin et al., (2005), Neem leaf and garlic bulb presence in agniastra prevented egg masses hatching and killed any larvae that were present. Subba et al. (2022) reported that the spray of agniastra at 25ml/L in pre-kharif crop gave reduction of leaf jassid population up to 65.84% (2.41/leaf jassid population) and it also proved better to suppress fruit borer infestation. Additionally, as listed in Tables 2, 3 and 4, Agniastra works well against particular fungus, bacteria and pests.
 
Dashaparni ark
 
Dashaparni ark used as alternative for neemastra, brahmastra and agniastra. It is combination of 10 types of tree leaves which are able to kill all types of pests (NITI Ayog, 2021). 
 
Ingredient
 
• 200 L water.
• 20 L cow urine.
• 2 kg cow dung.
• 500 g turmeric powder.
• 10 g asafoetida.
• 1 kg tobacco powder.
• 2 kg chilly pulp.
• 500 g garlic paste.
• 200 g ginger paste.
• 10 types of leaves selected from a specified list [Neem leaves - 3 kg, Leaves of Pongamia pinnata -2 kg, Leaves of Annona sqamosa- 2 kg, Castor leaves (Ricinus communis) - 2 kg, Datura leaves (Datura metel)- 2 kg, Leaves of Calatropis procera - 2 kg, Leaves of Vitex negundo - 2 kg, Leaves of Datura stramonium - 2 kg, Leaves of Nerium indica - 2 kg, Leaves of Hibiscus rosa - 2 kg, Mango leaves (Mangifera indica) - 2 kg, Leaves of Lantana camara - 2 kg, Leaves of Casia tora - 2 kg, Leaves of Guava (Psidium guava) - 2 kg, Leaves of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) - 2 kg, Leaves of Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) - 2 kg, Leaves of Coffee (Coffea arabica) - 2 kg,  Leaves of Mahua (Maduca indica) - 2 kg, Coco leaves (Theobroma cacao) - 2 kg, Leaves of Acacia nilotica - 2 kg, Leaves of Psoralea corylifolia - 2 kg, Leaves of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia) - 2 kg]
 
Preparation
 
To prepare the dashaparni ark, following the steps given in Fig 10 (Sarma and Dutta, 2024).


 
Applications
 
The prepared dashparni ark (6L-8 L) should be diluted in 200 L of water for spraying.
 
Function
 
It is used to control all types of pests and dilution is prepared depending on the level of infestation.
 
Finding
 
Joshi et al. (2021) reported that dashparni ark provide maximum mortality of potato cut worm Agrotis ipsilon Hufnagel which was followed by brahmastra, agniastra, neemastra and a mixture of garlic, ginger and mint. Dashparni ark demonstrates effectiveness against specific fungi and bacteria, as presented in Table 2 and Table 3, respectively.

Natural farming (NF) is an agricultural approach devoid of chemical inputs, relying instead on livestock integration. Its primary objective is to mitigate environmental impact while simultaneously addressing socio-economic challenges within the agricultural domain. The foundational principles of natural farming revolve around four essential components: Beejamrit, which pertains to seed treatment; Jivamrit, aimed at maintaining soil fertility; Aachhadan or Mulching, focused on mitigating water evaporation; and Whapasa, which contributes to fostering a conducive microclimate. Various plant protection formulations, including Neemastra, Brahmastra, Dashaparni and others, are employed within the realm of natural farming practices to safeguard crops against detrimental insects, larvae, sucking pests and diseases. Microorganisms found within NF inputs and formulations contribute to enhancing soil fertility by bolstering nutrient availability. Additionally, they fortify plant resilience against diseases, consequently fostering heightened crop yields. Natural farming offers the potential to augment farmers’ income by leveraging locally accessible natural resources such as cow dung and urine for crop cultivation, without the necessity of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Consequently, farmers are relieved from the need to procure external inputs from the market, resulting in cost savings while concurrently promoting environmental conservation. Natural farming is natural processes to cultivate nutritious food, ensuring the well-being of both consumers and the ecosystem. This approach harmonizes with nature, fostering healthful dietary choices while promoting land sustainability.

The present study was supported by Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM), Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat.
 
Disclaimers
 
The views and conclusions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of their affiliated institutions. The authors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided, but do not accept any liability for any direct or indirect losses resulting from the use of this content.

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article. No funding or sponsorship influenced the design of the study, data collection, analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.