Standardization of Panchagavya for Enhanced Nutrient Content and Seed Germination in Sustainable Organic Farming

Abstract

The detrimental effects of chemical-intensive agriculture have spurred interest in eco-friendly farming practices, particularly organic farming. Central to organic farming are organic manures, including various liquid organic formulations such as Panchagavya, which are rooted in Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK). Due to the variability in local production methodologies, there is a pressing need to standardize the production techniques of liquid organic manures, specifically Panchagavya, and to characterize their properties. The study standardizes Panchagavya production to reduce local variability. Eight ingredients were used, with 81 different combinations. Physical and chemical properties of prepared Panchagavya were analyzed, and principal component analysis was performed to determine optimal combinations for improved soil health and crop productivity. The nitrogen content of different combinations of Panchagavya ranged from 1.12% to 2.66%, phosphorus between 0.12% to 0.385%, potassium between 0.345% to 0.65%. The Ca content ranged between 186.3 mg L⁻¹ and 256.66 mg L⁻¹. Mg content the range was between 52.1 mg L-1 to 92.4 mg mg L-1, S varies between 0.08% and 0.3%, the Fe content in Panchagavya ranged from 49.7 mg L⁻¹ to 53.1 mg L⁻¹, Mn content ranged from 2.60 mg L⁻¹ to 5.05 mg L⁻¹, Zn content ranged from 4.1 mg L⁻¹ to 6.35 mg L⁻¹, and Cu content ranged from 12.50 mg L⁻¹ to 14.95 mg L⁻¹. with higher levels associated with increased quantities of cow urine, milk, curd, and ghee. Germination study indicated that Panchagavya positively affected seed germination and root growth increased from 3.45% to 114.66%.  The growth hormone indole acetic acid values was between 56.6 µg mL⁻¹ and 104.19 µg mL⁻¹. Similarly, the gibberellic acid values ranged from 138.34 µg mL⁻¹ to 185.23 µg mL⁻¹. From the 81 treatment 10 best treatment was selected by principle component analysis of nutrient content of Panchagavya. Microbial analysis of selected Panchagavya demonstrated significant populations: bacteria (7.57 to 8.03 log cfu mL⁻¹), fungi (4.3 to 4.73 log cfu mL⁻¹), and actinomycetes (3.15 to 3.9 log cfu mL⁻¹). The presence of IAA and GA further substantiates its efficacy as an organic fertilizer. This research confirms that Panchagavya enhances nutrient content, microbial activity, and hormone levels, resulting in improved seed germination and root development. These findings highlight its potential as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, promoting organic farming practices and contributing to healthier soils.