Characterising the traditional organic liquid formulations used by the farmers of western agro climatic zone of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The study was conducted to document the preparation method of organic liquid formulations used by the farmers belongs to the western agro climatic zone of Tamil Nadu and to characterise the same. Most of the formulations have been used as manure, pest and disease control agents since ancient times. In this study, for the first time, we attempted to characterise all the organic liquid formulations by measuring its physiochemical properties (pH, EC, OC, TDS), macronutrients (N, P, K) and micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe). The microbial status of the fermented liquid manure was also enumerated (bacteria, fungi, actinobacteria). Physiochemical properties divulged that most of the formulations had an acidic pH except a few. The analysis revealed the presence of micronutrients in liquid manures that could promote plant growth. Microbial analysis proved the preparation has more naturally occurring colonies. Mould formation was studied to check the formulation free from spoiling microbes. The results obtained proved the mineral potential of the liquid formulations, which may replenish the soil's fertility and promote plant growth.