Traditional growth stimulants/manures/pesticides are now acknowledged to be a preferable, potent and safe alternative to synthetic concoctions. But it is important to keep in mind their dilution factor, shelf life, dosage, time and frequency of use, and the plant part they are to be sprayed on.
Well, perhaps, we could consider the trio of Amritha karaisal, Panchakavya and Aindu ilai karaisal — the three must-have formulations in an organic farm/garden. Remember, when you spray these, water the plants only after 12 hours to avoid washing away of the formulations.
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Amirtha karaisal, also known as Jeevamrudam, is a crucial aid to soil preparation for enhancing yield. Made by fermenting cow dung and urine besides country sugar and ground cow pea/green gram, Amritha karaisal contains natural NPK fertilizers and so, when it is used, there is no need to add additional manure. Besides, Amritha karaisal helps establish useful microorganisms in the soil, whose activity will continuously generate nutrients needed by plants.
Usage:
Use Amritha karaisal by diluting it in water in the ratio of 1:5. Spray this on the plant bed before sowing seeds/planting saplings. After this, spray Amritha karaisal once every 10 days. About 500 ml of diluted Amritha karaisal is sufficient for every potted plant.
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Use it within 90 days from the date of manufacture, and store in a cool place. Stir the mix once in three days to further improve fermentation, and use the clear fluid on the surface. Spraying Amritha karaisal may leave a mild smell on the plant that lasts for two hours.
Panchakavya
Panchakavya made by the fermentation of five products from the cow — cow dung, urine, milk, curd and ghee besides tender coconut and ripe yellow bananas, enhances the plant’s growth and vigour, crop yield, immunity and helps repel insect attacks. When sprayed on the stem and foliage, the leaves become greener, flowering is more profuse, and yield is greater.
When sprayed on the plant bed, root proliferation and its insect resistance improves, as the cow urine in it is a natural insect repellent.
Usage:
Use Panchakavya by diluting it with water in the ratio of 1: 25. About 250 ml of the diluted mix is sufficient for every plant. Spray this on the plants once in 15 days during dawn/dusk hours when sunlight is low.
A gentle smell could persist for 10 hours, but this is a desirable thing, as it drives away plant pests. Use within six months from the date of manufacture. Store it in airtight containers in a cool place sheltered from direct sunlight. You could open the container’s lid once in two/three days to release the gas that may sometimes be formed by further fermentation of Panchakavya.
Aindhu ilai karaisal
Aindhu ilai karaisal or Bio-astra is made from the leaves of medicinal plants like Nochi, Aloe vera, Erukku and Clerodendron, besides neem seeds.
Bio-astra is an effective prophylactic measure to prevent insect infestation.
Usage:
Use Bio-astra by mixing it with water in the ratio of 1:20. Spray it on leaves (covering the underside of the leaves too), as common pests like aphids attack stem and leaves. Spraying Panchagavya on the soil bed would have prevented pest attacks on the roots.
Spray about 50 ml of diluted Bio-astra per potted plant, once every week. Use within six months from the date of manufacture.