A NOVEL FORMULATION TO ENHANCE SOIL HEALTH AND PLANT PROTECTION

Abstract

ABSTRACT The invention presents a biodynamic formulation designed to enhance soil health and manage pests using locally sourced natural ingredients. Comprising cow dung, cow urine, neem leaves, mahua seeds, and jaggery, the formulation boosts microbial activity and improves soil fertility while providing effective pest control. The preparation involves creating a slurry of cow dung and urine, mixing in melted jaggery, and incorporating crushed neem and mahua extracts, followed by fermentation. This process results in a nutrient-rich liquid that can be diluted for application in agricultural fields. By reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, this formulation offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for smallholder farmers, promoting ecological balance and improving crop yields while addressing pressing environmental concerns. Dated this …….Day of October, 2024 Dr. Monica Gulati Registrar Lovely Professional University

Specification

Description:The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner it
is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The technical field of the invention encompasses sustainable agriculture and organic farming practices. It focuses on developing a biodynamic formulation using locally sourced natural ingredients to enhance soil health and fertility while providing effective pest and disease management. This innovation aims to address the challenges posed by conventional chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promoting eco-friendly alternatives that support microbial activity in the soil. By leveraging accessible materials, the formulation is designed to improve crop yields and minimize environmental impact, aligning with the principles of organic and regenerative farming.
BACKGROUND
[002] Intensive agriculture practices have led to a significant increase in the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. While these chemicals can enhance short-term yields, their long-term effects often result in soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of water resources. This has raised concerns among farmers and environmentalists alike regarding the sustainability of such practices and their impact on ecosystem health.
[003] The reliance on chemical inputs has resulted in a reduction of the soil's inherent fertility, negatively affecting beneficial microbial populations that are crucial for nutrient cycling and overall soil health. Healthy soil is vital for robust crop growth, as it supports the complex interactions between plants, microbes, and nutrients. The decline in soil quality due to chemical overuse necessitates a shift toward more sustainable agricultural practices.
[004] CN104672009B, which describes a multifunctional organic fertilizer that includes bacteria and fungi for soil remediation. However, these solutions often require sophisticated production facilities and expensive ingredients that may not be accessible to smallholder farmers, highlighting the need for more cost-effective alternatives.
[005] CN103145463B introduces an organic fertilizer derived from livestock manure, emphasizing nutrient management. While it provides some benefits, it does not comprehensively address pest and disease control, leaving a gap in holistic agricultural practices that can simultaneously enhance fertility and manage plant health.
[006] CN101381251B, focuses on controlling underground pests but neglects above-ground pest challenges. This limitation underscores the necessity for formulations that provide comprehensive protection against both soil-borne pathogens and insect pests affecting plant health above ground.
[007] US20160128340A1 discusses pesticidal compositions derived from natural oils and botanical extracts, effective in pest control but lacking in nutrient management aspects. This indicates a need for integrated solutions that not only manage pests but also enhance soil fertility through organic means.
[008] CN104387136B detail methods for producing organic fertilizers from municipal waste but often involve lengthy processes and do not address pest management, demonstrating a critical gap in developing formulations that can efficiently improve soil health while managing pest pressures.
[009] The invention aims to fill these gaps by presenting a formulation that utilizes locally available, cost-effective ingredients-such as cow dung, cow urine, neem leaves, mahua seeds, and jaggery. This approach not only enhances soil microbial activity and fertility but also offers a natural means of pest and disease control, making it a practical solution for sustainable agriculture, particularly for smallholder farmers.
SUMMARY
[010] This invention introduces a biodynamic formulation designed to enhance soil health and manage pest populations using locally sourced natural ingredients. The formulation comprises cow dung, cow urine, neem leaves, mahua seeds, and jaggery, which work synergistically to improve microbial activity in the soil. By fostering beneficial microbial populations, the formulation aims to restore soil fertility, promote nutrient cycling, and enhance overall crop productivity without reliance on harmful chemicals.
[011] The method of preparation involves creating a slurry of cow dung and cow urine, to which melted jaggery is added to support microbial growth. Neem leaves and mahua seeds are crushed and extracted, and their juices are incorporated into the mixture. After allowing the blend to ferment, the resulting liquid can be diluted with water for application in crop fields, ensuring ease of use for farmers.
[012] One of the key advantages of this formulation is its dual functionality: it enhances soil fertility while simultaneously providing pest and disease management. The inclusion of cow dung introduces diverse microorganisms, while cow urine helps suppress pathogens. Neem and mahua extracts contain compounds that effectively repel soil-borne pests, contributing to healthier crops and improved yields.
[013] This invention addresses the pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. By utilizing easily accessible, locally available materials, the formulation is designed to be cost-effective and practical for smallholder farmers, thereby promoting economic viability and environmental sustainability in agricultural systems.
[014] This biodynamic formulation not only improves soil health and crop resilience but also aligns with the principles of organic and regenerative farming. By enhancing the natural ecosystem of the soil and protecting plants from pests, this innovative approach contributes to a more sustainable future for agriculture, fostering healthier crops and preserving the environment for future generations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of the construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the invention is not limited to the specific method disclosed in the document and the figures.
[016] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to various features of the present subject matter.
[017] Figure 1provides the flow chart of the invention.
[018] The given figures depict an embodiment of the present disclosure for illustration and better understanding only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[019] Some of the embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[020] The invention involves a biodynamic formulation created from a blend of locally sourced natural ingredients aimed at enhancing soil health and managing pests. The key components include cow dung, cow urine, neem leaves, mahua seeds, and jaggery. Each ingredient plays a specific role in boosting soil fertility and microbial activity while also providing natural pest control.
[021] The first step in the methodology is to prepare a slurry using equal parts of cow dung and cow urine. Cow dung serves as a rich source of diverse microorganisms, while cow urine has known antifungal and antibacterial properties. This combination is crucial for establishing a healthy microbial environment in the soil, which is essential for nutrient cycling and plant growth.
[022] Next, melted jaggery is incorporated into the slurry. Jaggery acts as a carbohydrate source, providing energy to stimulate microbial growth and activity. This step is critical because enhanced microbial populations can lead to better nutrient availability for crops, ultimately improving soil fertility and health.
[023] In one embodiment it is provided that, after mixing the cow dung, cow urine, and jaggery, the slurry is covered with a gunny bag and allowed to ferment overnight. This fermentation process is vital for promoting the growth of beneficial microbes, creating a biologically active solution that can effectively improve soil conditions.
[024] The following day, neem leaves and mahua seeds are crushed separately to extract their juices. Neem leaves contain azadirachtin and other compounds that deter pests, while mahua seeds add essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the mixture. These extracts are then mixed into the fermented slurry, enriching it further with bioactive compounds.
[025] The combined mixture is stirred well and left to sit in the shade for 2-3 days. This allows additional fermentation and the development of microbial populations. The extended fermentation period enhances the formulation's effectiveness by ensuring a robust concentration of beneficial microorganisms that can outcompete pathogenic species in the soil.
[026] In one embodiment it is provided, that After the fermentation period, the liquid extract is sieved to separate any solid residues, resulting in a concentrated liquid fertilizer. This extract can then be diluted with water at a ratio of 1:100 for application over one hectare of land, making it practical and easy to use in field conditions.
[027] The application of this formulation offers several advantages, including improved soil microbial diversity and enhanced nutrient availability. As beneficial microbes proliferate in the soil, they help decompose organic matter and release nutrients in forms accessible to plants. This process not only boosts soil fertility but also increases the resilience of crops against diseases.
[028] Additionally, the formulation serves as an effective pest management tool. The active compounds from neem and mahua work to repel soil-borne pests, while the beneficial microbes suppress pathogenic organisms. This dual functionality means farmers can reduce their reliance on synthetic pesticides, minimizing harmful chemical residues in the environment and on crops.
[029] In one embodiment it is provided, thatthe cost-effectiveness of the formulation is another significant advantage. All ingredients are locally available, making the preparation feasible for smallholder farmers who may struggle to afford commercial fertilizers and pesticides. This accessibility promotes sustainable agricultural practices and enhances the economic viability of organic farming.
[030] Results from preliminary field trials have shown that crops treated with the biodynamic formulation exhibit improved growth, higher yields, and reduced pest damage compared to untreated controls. This suggests that the formulation not only enhances soil health but also translates into tangible benefits for crop production, reinforcing its practical application in agriculture.
[031] This invention presents a comprehensive approach to sustainable farming by integrating soil fertility enhancement with pest and disease management. By utilizing locally sourced natural ingredients, the formulation empowers farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices that promote long-term soil health and agricultural sustainability. This innovation supports the transition toward organic farming and contributes to the broader goals of environmental conservation and food security.
[032] Referring to figure 1, image illustrates the process of preparing a biodynamic formulation designed to enhance soil health and manage pests using natural ingredients. It depicts a series of steps starting with the preparation of a slurry made from equal parts of cow dung and cow urine, emphasizing the rich microbial content essential for soil fertility. Next, melted jaggery is shown being mixed into the slurry to provide energy for microbial growth. The image highlights the fermentation stage, where the mixture is covered with a gunny bag to encourage microbial activity overnight. Subsequently, it showcases the crushing of neem leaves and mahua seeds, indicating their role in pest control and nutrient addition, followed by the incorporation of these extracts into the slurry. The process culminates in the sieving of the fermented mixture to obtain a liquid extract, which can be diluted for application in agricultural fields. Overall, the image visually represents the natural and accessible ingredients used in creating a sustainable agricultural solution that enhances both soil health and crop protection.
Dated this …….Day of October, 2024

Dr. Monica Gulati
Registrar
Lovely Professional University
, Claims:We claim:
1. A biodynamic formulation for enhancing soil health and managing pests, comprising:
A. a mixture of cow dung and cow urine in equal parts to provide a source of beneficial microorganisms;
B. melted jaggery added to the mixture to promote microbial growth;
C. crushed neem leaves and mahua seeds incorporated into the slurry to enhance pest control and nutrient availability;
D. the resulting mixture fermented for a period of 2-3 days to develop microbial activity, and
E. the liquid extract obtained from the fermentation process diluted with water for application in agricultural fields.
2. The biodynamic formulation of claim 1, wherein the cow dung is sourced from local livestock to ensure accessibility and reduce costs, thereby promoting sustainability in local agricultural practices.
3. The biodynamic formulation of claim 1, wherein the cow urine is aged to enhance its antimicrobial properties before mixing, ensuring optimal effectiveness in suppressing pathogenic microbes in the soil.
4. The biodynamic formulation of claim 1, wherein the ratio of neem leaves to mahua seeds is adjusted to optimize pest control and nutrient content, allowing for customization based on specific crop needs and local pest challenges.
5. The biodynamic formulation of claim 1, wherein the fermentation process is conducted in a shaded environment to maintain optimal microbial activity, protecting the mixture from excessive heat and direct sunlight that could hinder microbial growth.
6. The biodynamic formulation of claim 1, wherein the liquid extract can be further enriched with additional natural additives, such as banana peels or other organic materials, to enhance its efficacy, thus providing a broader range of nutrients and benefits to the soil.
7. The biodynamic formulation of claim 1, wherein the diluted liquid extract is applied both as soil drenching and foliar spray to maximize its benefits to crops, ensuring that both root and leaf systems receive essential nutrients and pest management.
8. The biodynamic formulation of claim 1, wherein the formulation improves soil structure and increases water retention capacity over time when applied regularly, contributing to long-term soil health and resilience against drought conditions.
Dated this …….Day of October, 2024

Dr. Monica Gulati
Registrar
Lovely Professional University

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