<div>Background: Excessive and unbalanced chemical fertilization in crop husbandry has attracted much attention because of soil health issues, reducing crop quality, increasing production cost and environmental risks. Organic farming is perceived as the best-known alternative method and has numerous environmental benefits. &ldquo;Vermiwash&rdquo; is liquid manure extracted from earthworms rich-vermicompost containing soluble nutrients, growth hormones, enzymes and many micro-organisms. As a result, the purpose of this study was to see how vermiwash affected the production and quality of black gram. 
 
Methods: During the kharif 2018, a field experiment was set up in a randomized block design to assess the effect of nine vermiwash treatments prepared from different organic wastes like cow dung, buffalo dung, green and dry field wastes and their combinations on growth, yield attributes and yield, nutrients and protein content of organic black gram (var. PU-31) and biochemical properties of vermiwash. 
 
Result: The neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7.72), E.C. (1.39 dSm-1) and maximum nutrients content, greatest average microbiological count (total number of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) and enzyme activity (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and dehydrogenase) were significantly found in treatment (T1) among the various vermiwash treatments at 35 days after collection. Moreover, the foliar application of vermiwash treatment (T1) significantly recorded highest growth, seed yield, nutrients and protein content. Based on-field results, it is possible to infer that treatment T1 (foliar spray in two equal split applications at a rate of 10% at the onset of flowering and 15 days following the first spray) is a better fertilizer practice for organic black gram cultivation.</div>

​​Potential of Vermiwash Prepared from Different Combinations of Organic Wastes to Improve the Growth, Yield and Quality of Organic Black Gram

<div>Background: Black gram (Vigna mungo) is one of the most important pulse crops grown throughout the country. It is hardy crop and fixes nitrogen in soil. Organic black gram fetch higher price in market i.e., Rs. 175 whereas other receive Rs. 120. Vermiwash, is one among the organic manures which has high potential to increase the crop growth and yield. Thus, present study aims to evaluate the influence of vermiwash prepared from different combination of organic sources on growth and yield of black gram. 
 
Methods: The field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2018 at Organic Farming Unit, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, with nine treatments [T1= vermiwash from 100% cow dung, T2= vermiwash from 100% buffalo dung, T3= vermiwash from 50% cow dung + 25% dry farm waste + 25% green farm waste, T4= vermiwash from 50% buffalo dung + 25% dry farm waste + 25% green farm waste, T5= vermiwash from 90% green waste incubated with 10% cow dung, T6= vermiwash from 90% green waste incubated with 10% buffalo dung, T7= vermiwash from 90% dry waste incubated with 10% cow dung, T8= vermiwash from 90% dry waste incubated with 10% buffalo dung and T9= water spray (control)] and were replicated thrice in Randomize Block Design. 
 
Result: The result of experiment revealed that the application of vermiwash from 100% cow dung significant influence towards growth parameters and yield attributes thus achieved maximum seed yield, haulm yield and B:C ratio (2.3). On the basis of field performance, it may be concluded that the treatment T1(top dressing in two equal split application at the rate of 10% at initiation of flowering and 15 days after 1st spray) may be recommended as a better organic package of blackgram.</div>

Vermiwash Prepared from Different Combination of Organic Sources to Improve Growth and Yield of Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] for Organic Agriculture

<div style="text-align: justify;">Physiological process of germination depends on several factors such as temperature, water potential, light and nutrients. A laboratory study was carried out to asses, the effect of different Vermiwash sources on germination and seedling growth of fenugreek. A factorial design was used with four replications. Treatments were factorial of different Vermiwash (water as a control=W0, Vermicompost extract of wheat straw=W1, horse manure=W2, sheep manure=W3, 25% straw + 75% horse manure =W4, 25% straw + 75% sheep manure =W5, 50% straw + 50% horse manure =W6, 50% straw + 50% sheep manure =W7, 25% alfalfa residue + 75% sheep manure =W8, 50% alfalfa residue + 50% sheep manure =W9, 25% chicken manure + 75% straw manure =W10) and two levels of Vermiwash concentration (20% and 40%). Results showed that germination rate was significantly affected by all treatments. The maximum germination rate was observed at concentration of 40 percent of vermiwash with 25% alfalfa residue + 75% sheep manure. The maximum percentage of germination was obtained in 20 percent of vermiwash with sheep manure treatment and concentration of 40% in wheat straw. A significant difference was observed through treatments at 1% level in root length. In addition, root dry weight differed significantly among treatments at the 5% level. Also, a significant increasing was considered in root length by increasing the concentration of vermiwash.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effect of Different Vermiwash Sources on Germination and Seedling Growth of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Research study on effect of foliar application of biostimulants on yield and quality of annual moringa for leaf production was conducted at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam between October 2014 to September 2016. Annual moringa Var PKM -1 seeds were sown @ 40 cm x 20 cm spacing. Foliar application of different concentrations of humic acid, Vermiwash and sea weed extract were given as per the treatment schedule. &nbsp;Harvesting of moringa leaves was done starting from 60 days after sowing leaving 45 cm stem from the ground level at every 45 days interval. Fresh and dry leaf yield per plot was recorded in each harvest and the data were analyzed statistically. Cost benefit ratio for each treatment was calculated. Among the different treatment combinations, application of &nbsp;humic acid 0.2% + vermiwash 4% + sea weed extract 4% @ 10 days after each harvest recorded the highest dry leaf yield of 18.24 t/ha &nbsp;followed by the application of &nbsp;humic acid 2 ml/lit + vermiwash 4% + sea weed extract 4% @ 10 and 25 days after each harvest along with recommended dose of fertilizer. The highest benefit cost ratio of 1:2.45 was observed in the treatment of foliar application of humic acid 2 ml/lit + vermiwash 4% + sea weed extract 4% @ 10 days after each harvest along with recommended dose of fertilizers.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effect of biostimulants on leaf yield and quality of annual moringa (Moringa oleifera. Lam) Var. PKM - 1</div>

Background: A standard research trial were conducted with the objective to evaluate the influence of variable levels of organic inputs on bulb attributes of garlic cultivars grown under suitable environment of lower hilly region of Uttarakhand. 
 
Methods: A field study were undertaken during successive rabi seasons of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 at Horticulture Experiment Block, School of Agricultural Science, Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India to evaluate the influence of varying levels of organic manures on bulb attributes of garlic. The research trials were organised in a factorial randomized block design comprising three replications. Design treatments comprised two factors, Factor 1: includes two Garlic cultivars viz. (V1) Pahadi local and (V2) Desi local; Factor 2: comprised of twelve varying levels of organic manures viz. T1: (Control), T2: (Farm Yard Manure @ 10 t/ha), T3: (Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha), T4: (Vermiwash@ 50%), T5: (Cow urine @ 20%), T6: (PSB@ 5 Kg/ha), T7: (FYM @ 5t/ha +Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + Vermiwash @ 25%), T8: (FYM @ 5 t/ha +Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + Cow urine @ 10%), T9: (FYM @ 5 t/ha +Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + PSB @ 2.5 kg/ha), T10: (Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + Vermiwash @ 25% + PSB @ 2.5 Kg/ha), T11: (FYM @ 5 t/ha +Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha+Vermiwash @ 25% + Cow urine @ 10% + PSB @ 2.5 kg/ha) and T12: (FYM @ 10 t/ha +Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha + Vermiwash @ 50% + Cow urine @ 20% + PSB @ 5 kg/ha). 
 
Result: The maximum fresh as well as dry mass of bulbs among cultivars was reported in Desi Local in both the years. Among the treatments, the maximum fresh and dry mass of bulbs was noticed in T4&nbsp;in both years. The maximum and minimum bulb length was observed in V2T8&nbsp;(3.76 cm) and V1T1&nbsp;(2.70 cm) in 2022, whereas, in 2023, the maximum and minimum bulb length was observed in V2T8&nbsp;(3.76 cm) and V1T1&nbsp;(2.43 cm). The maximum and minimum bulb diameter was recorded in V2T1&nbsp;(3.50 cm) and V1T1&nbsp;(2.60 cm) in 2022 and V2T1&nbsp;(3.50 cm) and V1T2&nbsp;(2.66 cm), respectively in 2023. The maximum and minimum bulb volume was noticed in V1T3,11 (20.00 cm3) and V1T4,6&nbsp;(13.00 cm3) in 2022, whereas, in 2023, the maximum and minimum volume of bulb was noticed in V1T8&nbsp;(20.00 cm3) and V1T3&nbsp;(12.66 cm3). The maximum bulbing index was observed in V1T5&nbsp;(2.32) in 2022 and V1T5&nbsp;(2.32) in 2023. 
&nbsp;

Bulbing Attributes of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) as Influenced by Varying Levels of Organic Manures

Background: Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a drought-tolerant oilseed vital to developing countries and arid regions. Despite its resilience and rich oil content, yields remain low due to indeterminate growth and poor nutrient and source-sink balance. Organic farming offers a sustainable yield improvement approach, but the effects of foliar organic inputs like Panchagavya, cow urine and vermiwash under organic certified conditions are yet to be fully evaluated. 
 
Methods: A field study was carried out during the 2022 Kharif season at the Organic Farming Research and Training Centre, MPKV, Rahuri (semi-arid Inceptisol, pH 7.58). Using a randomized block design with three replications, ten treatments were tested viz.: control, cow urine (10%), vermiwash (10%), Panchagavya (3%), humic acid (2.5%), Amritpani (3%), waste decomposer (25%), Jeevamrit (10%), Kunapajala (3%) and cow urine + vermiwash (each 10%). All plots received vermicompost (2 t ha-1) at sowing, with foliar sprays applied at flowering [36 Days After Sowing (DAS)] and capsule initiation [57 Days After Sowing (DAS)]. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p&le;0.05. 
 
Result: Foliar spraying with 3% Panchagavya significantly improved sesame growth, yielding more height, plant spread, branches&nbsp; plant-1&nbsp;and dry matter plant-1, surpassing the control. Cow urine + vermiwash produced similar results. Panchagavya also gave the highest yield traits, more capsules plant-1, higher capsule weight, seeds capsule-1, increased seed weight/ plant-1&nbsp;and seeds plant-1. Test weight was unaffected. Overall, fermented organic foliar inputs, especially Panchagavya, markedly enhanced sesame growth and yield under organic systems.

The Use of Liquid Organic Formulations Improves the Growth and Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under Organic Cultivation

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), one of the most popular vegetables globally and rich in bio active compounds is an excellent model for studying under organic nutrition. There is need to evaluate the organic nutrition in wicking bed irrigation for the homestead cultivation of vegetables with tomato as a test crop using the liquid organic manures which are easy to prepare and affordable. A pot culture experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with three replications during summer season 2022. The treatments were soil application of cow&rsquo;s urine and vermiwash at weekly intervals along with foliar application of panchagavya at 3%, vermiwash at 3%, moringa leaf extract at 4% and water spray at 20, 40 and 60 DAT. Irrigation was provided by sub irrigation to tomato through wicking bed. The experiment results revealed that organic nutrition had a significant effect on growth, yield attributes and yield of tomato. Basal application of enriched farmyard manure supplemented with soil application of vermiwash or cow&rsquo;s urine at weekly intervals along with foliar application of panchagavya at 3% at 20, 40 and 60 DAT could be recommended for enhanced productivity and profitability of tomato under wicking bed system.

Productivity and Profitability of Tomato under Organic Nutrition in Wicking Bed System

Background: Field experiment was conducted at the Experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, School of Agriculture, Selaiyur, Chennai to trace on the effect of foliar spray of organic phytohormones on yield and economics of rice fallow black gram, during Sornavari (Apr-May) 2023.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and seven treatments. T&shy;1 - Water spray T2 -Foliar spray of 3% Panchagavya at 30 and 45 DAS T3 - Foliar spray of 10% Jeevamruth at 30 and 45 DAS T4 -Foliar Spray at 10% Vermiwash 30 and 45 DAS, T5 - Foliar Spray of 10% cow urine at 30 and 45 DAS, T6 - Foliar spray of 3% Panchagavya + 10% Vermiwash at 30 and 45 DAS T7 - Foliar spray of 3% Panchagavya + 10% Cow urine at 30 and 45 DAS. All the treatments imposed significantly influenced the yield and economics of black gram.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Among the treatments - foliar spray of 3% Panchagavya + 10% vermiwash (T6) recorded higher seed yield, haulm yield and economics was registered. In contrast, water spray (T1) recorded the least seed yield, haulm yield and economics.

Effect of Organic Phytohormones on Yield and Economics of Rice Fallow Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Sustainable agriculture is increasingly recognized as a vital strategy to combat soil pollution and degradation, particularly in the face of climate change. This review highlights Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) as an effective approach that combines both inorganic and organic fertilizers to enhance soil health and boost crop productivity. Key components of INM, including Nano DAP, vermiwash, vermicompost and traditional fertilizers, have been examined for their impact on mungbean growth and yield. The integration of these fertilizers not only improves soil fertility but also enhances nutrient uptake, which is crucial for adapting to fluctuating climate conditions. By fostering a balance between organic and inorganic inputs, INM supports sustainable agricultural practices that can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on food security. To determine the &ldquo;Impact of integrated nutrient management (nano dap, vermiwash, vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer) on soil health and mungbean yield,&rdquo; 41 research papers were examined. This particular review paper read and explained the results from all the reviews. In conclusion, adopting INM strategies represents a promising path forward for sustainable agriculture. These practices not only promote high crop productivity but also contribute to long-term soil health, thereby addressing the challenges posed by climate change and soil degradation. As we move forward, the continued exploration and implementation of INM can play a pivotal role in creating resilient agricultural systems that ensure food security while preserving our environmental resources for future generations. By investing in such sustainable practices, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and productive agricultural landscape.

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Health and Yield of Mungbean: A Review

Background: In Himachal Pradesh, parts of Kangra and Mandi districts in the state are known for unique colour and flavor tea production since British times and has been registered under the Geographical Indication (GI) of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 but in in recent years, chemical farming practice has brought drastic changes crop productivity and quality. Organic farming that believes in natural growth of crops without adding any chemical fertilizers or any other foreign elements can be suitable remediation measure. Tea grown with bio-organic fertilizers has superior colour and taste compared to tea treated with chemical fertilizers. Therefore, the present investigation has been carried out to evaluate productivity and quality of tea under organic cultivation. 
 
Methods: Field experiment was conducted during pre-monsoon (summer), monsoon (kharif) and post monsoon (rabi) season of 2021-22 at Research farm of Department of Tea Husbandry and Technology CSK HPKV, Palampur (H.P.) to monitor the effect of organic nutrient inputs in Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The experiment comprised of 10 treatments with the organic treatment include application of different nitrogen sources, viz farmyard manure; vermicompost; jeevamrit and vermiwash.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results revealed that higher yield, mean fresh shoot biomass (mg/shoot), mean dry shoot biomass (mg /shoot) was recorded with application of vermicompost @10t/ha+ jeevamrit @10%. The application of vermicompost @10 t/ha+ vermiwash @10% showed higher value of theaflavin and thearubigin content in all three seasons i.e., pre- monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon. Therefore, the applications of organic inputs showed significantly improved results in comparison to the control.