Natural farming (NF) is an agricultural approach that avoids using chemicals and relies on livestock. It is designed to tackle both environmental and socio-economic issues in the agricultural sector. The foundation of natural farming rests on four key pillers: Beejamrit (seed treatment), Jivamrit (ensuring soil fertility), Aachhadan or Mulching (preventing water evaporation) and Whapasa (ensuring favourable microclimate). various plant protection formulations like Neemastra, Brahmastra, Dashaparni, etc., are incorporated into NF practices to shield crops from harmful insects, larvae, sucking pests and diseases. Natural farming inputs like Jivamrit, Ghanajivamrit, etc. are generally prepared from cow dung, cow urine, uncontaminated soil, jaggery, pulse flour, etc. However, NF plant protection formulations such as Neemastra, Brahmastra, Dashaparni, etc. are generally prepared from cow dung, cow urine, specific tree leaves, etc. Numerous scientific studies reported that the NF inputs and formulations have contain beneficial microorganisms, amino acids and other substances that not only enhance plant growth but also provide protection against pests and pathogens that impact a wide range of economically significant crops. Therefore, integration of natural farming inputs not only supports the well-being of crops but also fosters a holistic and sustainable approach to agriculture, ensuring a prosperous future for both farmers and the environment.

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

<div>India will surpass China as the most populated country in the world, with an estimated nearly 1.67 billion people by 2050 (World Population Data Sheet, October 2019). In order to feed this population, the country has to adopt a policy of vertical growth in productivity as the opportunities of further horizontal expansion of cultivated area are almost exhausted. Continuous cropping depletes the soilnutrient reserves and hence, the soils are to be replenished with the essential major andminor plant nutrients. In this context, Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) given by Subhash Palekar is not appropriate technology to adopt the farmers because in this technique, cannot provide adequate quantity of nutrients required forhigher crop productivity as soil has a limited nutrient supplying capacity. In addition, ZBNFrecommends use of traditional varieties of crops having almost half the yield potential ofmodern high yielding varieties. Thus, farmers will not earn enough to double their income with low crop productivity.</div>

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

General Overview of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)