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Enhance soil fertility by composting crop residues, cultivating green manure crops like Dhaincha, and utilizing moong residues efficiently.
As Rabi crops like wheat and mustard are being harvested across the country, farmers have a golden opportunity to enhance their soil fertility and boost crop yield. By utilizing the residues of the crops effectively, the farmers can not only reduce the air pollution caused by burning but also nourish the soil for future cultivation.
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After harvesting Rabi crops, farmers can create compost by burying the leftover crop residue in the soil. This compost serves as an excellent natural fertilizer, enriching the soil for subsequent crops.
Planting crops like Dhaincha for green manure is another beneficial practice. Dhaincha, a pulse crop, improves soil health and structure, enhancing fertility. Farmers can sow Dhaincha in vacant fields to reap the benefits of green manure and seeds.
Mixing wheat straw, or crop residue, with soil using a rotavator yields local fertilizer, reducing costs and increasing crop yield. Running a rotavator over the stubble and integrating it with soil not only enriches the land but also promotes a healthier crop.
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Dhaincha cultivation not only provides green manure but also qualifies for subsidies, making it economically viable for farmers. Improved varieties of Dhaincha such as Pant Dhaincha-1 and Punjabi Dhaincha 1 are available, ensuring a successful harvest within 120 to 150 days.
After 40 to 50 days of sowing Dhaincha, the crop can be pressed into the soil using a hoe and plow. This process facilitates decomposition, converting the crop into nutrient-rich manure. Subsequently, crops can be sown 22 to 25 days after the green manure preparation.
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Moong, another pulse crop, offers a viable option for increasing soil fertility. Green manure derived from moong residues aids in boosting paddy yields. Farmers can capitalize on the demand for moong in the market, earning extra income while enriching their fields.
Harvested moong residues can be buried in the field to prepare green manure. The quick growth cycle of moong, around 60 to 70 days, ensures a swift turnaround for subsequent crop cultivation.
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By employing these simple yet effective techniques, farmers can transform crop residues into valuable resources, ensuring both environmental sustainability and agricultural prosperity.