Optimizing nutrient application with vrikshayurveda-based herbal kunapajala concoctions: a sustainable solution for enhancing the productivity of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

Soil degradation and declining crop productivity due to unsustainable nutrient management necessitate bio-regenerative strategies for sustainable agriculture. Vrikshayurveda, Indian traditional plant science, endorses herbal kunapajala, a liquid biofertilizer, with enriched microbes that increase nutrient bioavailability, restore soil fertility, and thereby enhance crop productivity. The current study assess the efficiency of three herbal kunapajala based formulations viz., stinging nettle (KJ1), general weeds (KJ2), and 50:50 blend (KJ3) applied at four different dose (500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 l/ha) on growth, crop yield, nutrient dynamics, and mustard seed quality. A factorial randomized block design (FRBD) was executed for the study with different organic treatments and inorganic control (RDF) as check was implemented at NEBCRC, GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. The results showed KJ1 at 2000 L/ha significantly improved grain yield (1390.5 kg/ha), stalk yield (4373.5 kg/ha), and biological yield (5764.0 kg/ha), outperforming KJ2 and KJ3. The strong positive correlation between soil organic carbon (SOC), soil available nitrogen (SAN, r = 0.7), and soil available phosphorus (SAP,r = 0.47), was observed with grain yield (r = 0.77) and stalk yield (r = 0.8L). The seed biochemical composition viz., protein (24.5%) and oil content (41.2%), was significantly increased in KJ1 (Stinging nettle). Additionally, this study supports Sustainable goals of 2 (Zero Hunger), 12 (Responsible Consumption), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land) by fostering CRA, reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizer, and increasing ecological functions of soil. Therefore, a scientifically validated stinging nettle based herbal kunapajala (KJ1) emerges as cost effective and sustainable, liquid biofertilizer for optimizing mustard productivity.