Binita Shah, Sanjay Roman, Dr Khadse, Dr Bhale, Dr Nilesh Teli, SARG Vikas Samiti , Uttarakhand , India Key words: biodynamic, carbon, biodynamic preparations, cow pat pit, BD compost, small farmer
Abstract
Importance of carbon in soil health is well known. Its falling availability in Indian soils is a major challenge today. All Organic Agriculture systems and techniques bring about a positive change in soil health but due to poor knowledge and understanding of different organic agriculture techniques, package of practice and production issues, not many farmers are able to follow the organic systems in a successful manner.
SARG , India is working towards the promotion of Biodynamic Agriculture (BD) for the last 20 years. A comparative study was done by PDKVY, Akola, India for two consecutive years 2013- 14 & 2014 – 15 with soybean and wheat cycle in the University Organic Farming Research Centre. In the two year study it was revealed that Biodynamic package of practice gave rise to percent increase in available nutrients like N,P,K, pH & C which was more than other comparative practices like control (farmer practice) , conventional ( agro – chemical ) . At the same time the Cost benefit ratio in the input costs and total production also showed an upward trend in the BD plot. While in 2014-15 trial soybean (khariff) was produced with BD practice with cost of INR3 750, Farmer Practice with INR3250 and Conventional with INR11,000 and wheat trial in 2014 rabi crop was produced in the cost of INR5875 in BD , INR5250 in control ( farmers practice) and conventional by Rs11,750. Thereby depicting the double advantage of BD systems of both higher nutrient availability in soil as after 4 crops cycles as well as in cost benefit.
On the basis of the study which were conducted in partnership of SARG Vikas Samiti , India in Akola, Maharshtra , author’s of the paper argue the case of biodynamic agriculture being one of the most cost beneficial and rejuvenating systems for agriculture for small farmers in India.
Acknowledgement
The authors duly acknowledge the kind cooperation and partnership of PDKVY, Akola, Maharashtra, VC Dr Ravi Prakash Dani PD, CAIM project supported by IFAD, Amravati, Maharashtra, Dr Nilesh Teli , Naturally Yours , Jalgaon , NRTT ,Mumbai, RA Ram, CISH (ICAR), Lucknow, State Training & Research Centre Machkhali , Almora , Dehradun
Introduction : Problem identification
Agriculture in India is moving towards a deepening crisis. Seventy five percent farmers of the country want to opt out of agriculture today. (Down to Earth , CSE march‘14) This will lead to an all time low of people engaged in this very traditional occupation over 5000 years of agriculture history. Farmers have also been driven to sucides , according to the “National
Crime Records Bureau“ of India reported in its 2012 annual report, that 13,755 farmers committed sucide in India. Of
these, 5 out of 29 states accounted for 10,486 farmers suicides (76%) – Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya
Pradesh and Kerala. A situation such as this is a result of a complex situation riddled by dispropotionate cost benefit ratio
in agriculture . The prominant causes of the situation are unjudicious use of agro chemcials ( on loans) followed by poor production due to irratic weather conditions . Debt based agriculture and paradox of loan default has led to this grave delimma where the youth are no longer in terested have a farming career. Looking closely at the soil health scenario of Indian soils we find that this gigantic repository of soil minerals and elements is rapidly loosing its bounty over the last few decades. As per the Indian Soil and Water Conversation Institute , Dehradun India is losing 5,334 million tons of soil every year due to soil erosion because of indiscreet and excess use of fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides over the years. About one millimetre of top soil is being lost each year with a total loss of 5,334 million tons annually due to soil erosion. The rate of loss is 16.4 tons per hectare every year. Experiments conducted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) indicated that non-judicious and imbalanced use of inorganic fertilizers (NPK) over years may result in deterioration of soil fertility/nutrient deficiencies. ( Hindu , Nov 26 2010)
Modern agriculture technology is largely externalized and input based. The present practices do not address the soil health and on the contrary increase biotic pressure on the agro –ecosystem thereby marginalizing risk taking capacity by the farmer leading him to either opt out of the occupation or give up his life. The extension and technology transfer interventions most crucial for the farmer are carried out largely by commercial companies and are sales oriented.
Solution s to the problem (Methodology)
Biodynamic Agriculture principals are based on aligning with energies preponderant in the universe which are responsible for the creation and preservation of all life. While practicing biodynamic agriculture the more physical evidences of impact are observed in the evident improvement of soil structure, increased carbon content, balanced pH , availability of trace elements , increased production cycle of the crops , suppressed disease and pest incidence, high nutrition content in the
food products through the methodology of chromatography etc. Biodynamics Agriculture is a systems knowledge and reccomends use of specific inputs called as Biodynamic Preperations (BD 500 – 507) globally. The theory of biodynamic agriculture is based on the cosmic rythyms of universe. Biodynamic Agriculture also promotes the use of the planting calendar which is based on the lunar and the solar rythms.
Center for Organic Agriculture Research and Training (COART) , Department of Agronomy , Dr PanjabRao deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth Akola has conducted In situ Experiments over two years 2013-14 & 2014-15 to demonstrate sustainable Agriculture systems for the destressed districts of Vidharbha region, Mahatashtra. PI Dr VM Bhale and Co PI were Dr VK Khadse to find out the comparative results of the following treatments:
Salient Features of Experiment
Associated Agency SARG Vikas Samiti (Supa Agricultural Research Group ) Akola , HO Uttarakhand India Year 2013-14/ 2014-15
Season Kharif & rabi Crop Soybean, Wheat Variety Js 335, AKW 9305
Layout Non Replicated Demonstration plot Treatments 1) Biodynamic Agricultural Practices
2) Farmers Organic Agricultural Practices ()Control plot) 3) Conventional Agricultural Practices (Chemical) Table No -1 Nutrient status of soil (2013-14)
Soil Properties Biodynamic practices 2013-14 Farmers practices 2013-14 Conventional practices 2013-14
Soybean Wheat Soybean Wheat Soybean Wheat Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final pH 7.8 7.74 7.74 7.70 7.8 7.79 7.79 7.72 7.8 7.80 7.80 7.79 EC 0.33 0.31 0.31 0.28 0.33 0.30 0.30 0.29 0.33 0.32 0.32 0.31 Available N (kg/ha) 215 221 221 230 215 219 219 225 215 219 219 222 Available P (kg/ha) 20.8 21.8 21.8 24.2 20.8 21.6 21.6 22.6 20.8 22.0 22.0 24.6 Available K (kg/ha) 330 332 332 340 330 331 333 333 330 331 331 334 Organic Carbon % 0.42 0.44 0.44 0.46 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.40 0.41 Table 1A Nutrient status of soil (2014-15)
Soil Properties Biodynamic practices 2014-15 Farmers practices 2014-15 Conventional practices 2014-15 Soybean Wheat Soybean Wheat Soybean Wheat Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final pH 7.70 7.60 7.60 7.60 7.72 7.70 7.70 7.70 7.79 7.80 7.80 7.82 EC 0.28 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.32 Available N (kg/ha) 230 235 235 239 225 225 225 227 222 220 220 219 Available P (kg/ha) 16.0 16.8 17.8 18.9 14.8 15.0 15.2 15.9 14.6 14.0 14.2 14.6 Available K (kg/ha) 340 342 342 345 333 334 334 336 334 332 332 333 Organic Carbon % 0.46 0.49 0.49 0.51 0.44 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.41 0.40 0.40 0.40
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Table – 2 Production Status (q/ha)
Table -3 Cost of Production (in Rs.)
Conclusion:
The Biometric observations viz. plant height numbers of tillers were comparatively higher in biodynamic plot over control plot (farmer practice). The Wheat grain yield under biodynamic treatment was increased by 14.5 % over control treatment, Where as it is at par with the yield of conventional practices. The cost of cultivation in biodynamic and farmers organic practices found much low as compared with conventional package of practices due to low input cost.
Maximum number of soil samples was found in low to medium range of organic carbon. However overall 10.81% increase in organic carbon was found in Biodynamic farming practice over conventional farming practice. Soil pH was lightly improved whereas negligible change in EC was observed. Available nitrogen wsa increased upto 10.84% in biodynamic farming practice over coneventional practice. In respect of phosphorous availibility , low range category moved to medium and medium forwarded to moderate range with overall increase of 11.45% in Biodynamic farming practice over conventional farming practice.
In a nutshell it could be inferred that biodynamic farming practice has: 1. relative benefit in crop economics , 2.compatibility with farmers 3. ecological benefit
Material and methods Materials:
Biodynamic Agriculture system entails the use of the Biodynamic preparations called preparation 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507 & 508 globally by BD practitioners. Of these the preparations 500 & 501 are called the field preparations and 502 – 507 are called and used as compost & CPP making preparations. Preparation 500 is used @30grams in 13 liters of water as broadcast ,on an acre before sowing and once in two leaf stage, 501 is to be sprayed 1 gms in 13 liters of water in mist spray at two leaf stage. The compost preparations are used @ 1gms each in 100 cu meter. The preparations are made under the guidelines laid by the Biodynamic Association of India(BDAI) which is a member of Demeter International (DI) (Germany) . DI governs the methodology of preparation making associations and agencies. In this case the preparations were made by SUPA Biotech an agency making preparations in the Himalayan region for the last 20 years and certified by IMO Bangalore and monitored by BDAI. The BD compost , CPP and the liquid bio-pesticides were made at the COART, Akola under the supervision of the PI’s and partner agency SARG Vikas Samiti. Material s used in BD compost was 30% cow dung, 50% agriculture waste, 2% lime, 8% green matter and 10% water . The compost was inoculated with CPP @ 2kgs per 300 cu feet . The materials were put together in layer system windrow with aerobic decomposition , compost was ready in 60 days. CPP was made with 60 kgs fresh dung from a lactating cow, 200 gram crushed egg shells & 200 grams basalt powder. The CPP is inoculated with 2 sets of (2 gms) of BD preparations 502 – 507 in a 3 sq feet earthen pit underground . The CPP is ready in 60 days and is used for compost inoculation, seed treatment as well as foliar spray. The bio-pesticide was made by using locally available botanicals like neem, dhatura leaves as well as nettles ( urtica dioca) in equal parts which was 20% and mixed with water . Cow urine @5% was added to this mixture and left to ferment for 5 days to be used as a prophylactic spray in the crops.
Details of Biodynamic cultural treatments for Soybean (2013, 14) Variety Js 335
Year Biodynamic practices Farmers practices Conventional practices Soybean Wheat Soybean Wheat Soybean Wheat Prod. (Q/Ha) Prod. (Q/Ha) Prod. (Q/Ha) Prod. (Q/Ha) Prod. (Q/Ha) Prod. (Q/Ha) 2013 21.75 41.9 16.5 36.6 22.5 42.8
2014 22.25 42.10 16.6 36.0 22.13 41.9
Year Biodynamic practices Farmers practices Conventional practices Soybean Wheat Soybean Wheat Soybean Wheat 2013 3750 5875 3250 5250 10500 11250 2014 3750 5875 3250 5250 11000 11750
Layout Non Replicated Demonstration plot Treatments 1) Biodynamic Agricultural Practices
2) Farmers Organic Agricultural Practices ()Control plot) 3) Conventional Agricultural Practices (Chemical) Details of
Treatments
1- Biodynamic Agricultural Practices
(a) Biodynamic Compost (3 ton/ha), (b) Seed treatment (BD CPP), (c) BD 500 (Soil conditioner) & 501 (Fungal resistant), (d) Biodynamic liquid Manure, (e) Sowing according to Biodynamic Planting Calendar
1) Farmers Organic Agricultural Practices (Control plot)
(a) Seed treatment (Rhizobium), (b) FYM ()5 ton/ha), (c) Dashaparni Spray, (d) Neemicide spray 1- Conventional Agricultural Practices (Chemical)
(a) Seed treatment (Rhizobium), (b) FYM (5 ton/ha), (c) 30:75 Np Kg/ha, (d) Chloripyriphos one spray
Plot Size 50x30 Sq.Mt Spacing 45x5 cm
Date of sowing 24.06.2013 & 25.06.14 Intercultural operation Hoeing – One Weeding – Two Date of Harvesting 18.10.2013 & 18/10/14
Cultural treatmens for wheat (2014, 15) Variety AKW 9305
Layout Non Replicated Demonstration plot Treatments 4) Biodynamic Agricultural practices
5) Farmers Organic Agricultural Practices 6) Conventional Agricultural Practices (Chemical) Details of
Treatments
4) Biodynamic Agricultural practices:
(f) Biodynamic compost (7 ton/ha), (g) Seed Treatment (BD CPP), (h) BD 500 (soil conditioner) & 501 (Fungal resistant), (i) Biodynamic Liquid Manure
(j) Sowing according to Biodynamic Planting Calendar 5) Farmers Organic Agricultural Practices (control plot):
(e) Seed treatment (Rhizobium), (f) FYM (5 ton/ha), (g) Dashaparni spray (h) Neemicide spray
6) Conventional Agricultural Practices (Chemical)
(e) Seed treatment (Rhizobium), (f) FYM (5 ton/ha), (g) 100:50:50 NP Kg/ha (h) Two spray (insecticide, fungicide)
Plot size 50 x 30 Sq. Mt Spacing 23 x 5 cm
Date of Sowing 26.11.2013 & 25.11.14 Intercultural
operation
Hoeing - One Weeding – One No. of Irrigation Four
Date of Harvesting 16.03.2014 & 18/3/15 Method of Analysis :
Partical size distribution – by Bouyucous hydrometer method using sodium metaphosphate (100 ml) as dispencing agent. PH (1:2.5 Soil : Water suspension) - PH Meter (Jackson 1967)
Electrical Conductivity (1:2.5 Soil: Water suspension) - Jackson 1967 Organic Carbon – by Walkely and Black wet oxidation method Available N – by Subbiah and Asija (1956)
Available Ph – by Olsen’s method
Available K – by using flame photometer (Jackson 1967) Method of Plant Analysis:
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Total N – by Kjeldahl’s method (Jackson 1967)
Total P – by Vanadomolybdate yellow colour method (Jackson 1967) Total K - by using flame photometer (Jackson 1967)
Quality Studies:
Protein content – calculated by multiplying nitrogen content % inseed with factor 6.25 Test Weight (g) – Randomly 1000 seeds for each plot were taken and weighed in gm.
Statistical Analysis – by using the method of analysis of varience and means were tested for significance. Critical difference at 5% level of significance. (Panse and Sukhatme 1967)
Location Experoments – Investigation was carried out at the Western Block Central Research Station, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krushi Vidhyapeeth (PDKV) Akola.
Results & Discussion
The results clearly revealed in Table 1 , Table 2 & Table – 3 where the BD practice shows a superior result over control and the conventional . The percent increase in carbon , Nitrogen, phosphate as well as potassium is more than that of the control and the conventional system which is based on agro – chemicals. In the conventional system the organic carbon has gone down at the end of the first season of soybean and wheat by 01% i.e from base line data 0.42 % it went down to 0.41% and further in the next season of 2014 at the end of the wheat season it has further gone down to 0.40 % further whereas in BD systems its has risen from base line 0.42% to 0.51 % at the end of the two year trial.
Similar is the case of nitrogen where the base line data was found to be 215 kg/ha (intial soybean 2013)and found to be 239 kg/ha at the end of the 2014 wheat whereas in conventional it was found to be 219 kg/ha in the end of the wheat season of 2014. The cost benefit analysis most interestingly shows that the BD systems can deliver the maximum with the least cost. The Cost benefit ratio in the input costs and total production also showed an upward trend in the BD plot. While in 2014-15 trial soybean (khriff) was produced with BD practice with cost of INR 3750, Farmer Practice with INR 3250 and Conventional with INR 11,000 and wheat trial in 2014 rabi crop was produced in the cost of INR 5875 in farmers practice INR 5250 and conventional by Rs11,750.
References Journal article
ISSN2229, RNI No , UPENG /2006/22736 , Journal of Eco-friendly Agriculture: Impact of organic manure and Bioagencts /Botanicals on major crops in Uttarakhand Hills , J Aswal , DS Negi , Shah Binita
RNI No.UPENG/2006/22736 ISSN2229-628X , Journal of eco Friendly Agriculture Vol 8,No1 , 2013 ,Integrated Organic Management of powdery mildew in vegetable peas caused by Erisphye polygoni , Devendra singh Negi,,J Kumar,
Rajan Kumar Gupta and Binita Shah.
Book
Proctor Peter Grasp The Nettle, Quantum Agriculture , Hugh Lowell, Manual on Biodynamic Agriculture RK Pathak, RA Ram
Dissertation
Shah Binita , Organic Agriculture in Uttarakhand , Msc Ecology & Environment , Sikkm Manipal University 2007 ,
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CAIM : Convergence Agriculture Initiative and Marketing COART : Center for Organic Agriculture Research and Training SARG : SUPA Agriculure Research Group
SUPA : Steiner Universal Philosophy Agrica BD : Biodynamic CPP : Cow Pat Pit ,
PDKVY : Panjabrao Deshmukh Krushi Vidhyapeeth IFAD : Internation Fund ofor Agriculture Development NRTT : NavajBhai Ratan Tata Trust,Mumbai CISH : Center Institute of Sub Horticulture, Luckhnow ICAR : Indian Council of Agricultural Research BDAI : Biodynmaic Association of Indis DI : Demeter International
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