c
k
Demeter
Kontrolle
Homa
Grne Frchte
0
5
10
15
20
25
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
S
t
c
k
z
a
h
l
Demeter
Kontrolle
Homa
Ernteertrag je Pflanze
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1-4 =1.Ernte; 5-8=2.Ernte; 9-12=3.Ernte
G
r
a
m
m
Demeter
Kontrolle
Homa
Verkaufsfhige Ware in Gramm
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1-4 = 1.Ernte; 5-8 = 2. Ernte; 9-12 = 3.Ernte
Demeter
Kontrolle
HOma
35
7.2.2 Tomaten - TS-Zersetzungstest 1
Verlauf der Mittelwerte des Schimmelbefalls in % der Zersetzung
Tag
Der Schimmelbefall in den Varianten Demeter und Homa steigt im Mittelwert stetig
an. Demeter ist noch etwas strker befallen wie die Kontrolle.
Die Homa-Variante zeigt am 2. Tag einen etwas strkeren Befall mit weien Stippen,
sonst bildet sich allerdings in den 10 Tagen kein weiterer Schimmel. Ein 5%-iger Befall
am 10. Tag mit grnen Schimmelstellen ist aufzuweisen.
%
Demeter
Kontrolle
Homa
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
weie Stippen
weie Fden
schwarze Fden
grne Stellen
schwarze Stellen
36
1. Tag - Ansatz 9. Tag
10. Tag
Kontrolle Demeter Homa
Bilder TS-Zersetzungstest 1
37
Tomaten - TS-Zersetzungstest 2
Verlauf der Mittelwerte des Schimmelbefalls in % der Zersetzung
Tag
Schwarze Stellen konnten bei der Kontrolle nicht ausgemacht werden, da sie am 2. Tag bereits so viel-
weien Schimmel aufwies, dass darunter nichts mehr zu sehen war. Ebenso schwierig ist es die Wss-
rigkeit festzustellen.
Bei der Wiederholung des Tests zeigt sich, dass Demeter am wenigsten Schimmel ansetzt.
Homa setzt ebenfalls sehr wenig an, jedoch sichtbar mehr als Demeter.
Die Kontrolle war schon am 2. Tag vllig verschimmelt.
Am 12. Tag ist die Variante Demeter extrem in die wssrige Zersetzung bergegangen, Homa nicht so
sehr, weist noch Struktur auf.
Wichtig fr die Auswertung ist, dass unterschiedliche Reifegrade Ausgangspunkt des Versuches
waren. In folgender Reihenfolge war der Reifegrad der Mischproben:
Demeter - am wenigsten reif
Kontrolle - reif
Homa - sehr reif
Demeter
Kontrolle
Homa
weie Stippen
weie Fden
schwarze Fden
Zersetzung ins Wssrige
schwarze Stellen
%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
38
1. Tag - Ansatz 12. Tag - geschlossen
12. Tag offen
Kontrolle Demeter Homa
Bilder TS-Zersetzungstest 2
39
Trockensubstanzverlust - Zersetzungstest Tomaten
D1 D2 D3 Dx K1 K2 K3 Kx H1 H2 H3 Hx
Schale 60,86 62,14 63,73 67,90 66,81 65,80 64,47 65,98 66,11 65,12 62,06 65,72
Einwaage 45,49 45,31 45,25 45,03 45,38 45,60 45,56 45,13 45,50 45,66 45,37 45,29
Einwaage2 5,34 5,23 5,32 5,09 5,23 5,04 5,25 5,05 5,00 5,01 5,36 5,08
Einwaage
gesamt 50,83 50,54 50,57 50,12 50,61 50,64 50,81 50,18 50,50 50,67 50,73 50,37
Gewicht tr 61,77 63,30 64,87 71,01 67,92 66,86 65,55 68,98 67,23 66,22 63,15 68,73
Schale 60,86 62,14 63,73 67,90 66,81 65,80 64,47 65,98 66,11 65,12 62,06 65,72
Trockenm. 0,91 1,16 1,14 3,11 1,11 1,06 1,08 3,00 1,12 1,10 1,09 3,01
TS in % 70,74 62,70 63,34 100,00 63,00 64,67 64,00 100,00 62,79 63,33 63,67 100,00
Dx, Kx, Hx = Feststellung der Trockensubstanzmenge vor Zersetzung
Mittel TS in
% 65,59 63,89 63,26
Verluste in %
von Kontrolle
ausgehend 102,66% 100,00% 99,01%
Trockensubstanzverlust in %
102,66%
100,00%
99,01%
97,00%
98,00%
99,00%
100,00%
101,00%
102,00%
103,00%
1
Varianten
Demeter
Kontrolle
Homa
Trockensubstanz - Zersetzungstest Tomaten
D1 D2 D3 Dx K1 K2 K3 Kx H1 H2 H3 Hx
Schale 67,81 67,22 67,01 67,15 65,94 67,81 60,97 60,22 65,75 61,96 64,76 69,67
Einwaage ge 50,33 50,33 50,10 50,36 50,64 50,65 50,21 50,50 50,45 50,44 50,11 50,33
Gesamtgew.
Frischmasse 118,14 117,55 117,11 117,51 116,58 118,46 111,18 110,72 116,20 112,40 114,87 120,00
Gewicht tr 68,65 68,17 67,85 70,08 66,91 68,81 61,94 72,58 66,72 62,91 65,67 72,58
Schale 67,81 67,22 67,01 67,15 65,94 67,81 60,97 60,22 65,75 61,96 64,76 69,67
Trockenm. 0,84 0,95 0,84 2,93 0,97 1,00 0,97 2,92 0,97 0,95 0,91 2,91
TS-in % 71,33 67,58 71,33 100,00 66,78 65,75 66,78 100,00 66,67 67,35 68,73 100,00
xle 20 xle 19 xle 20
Dx, Kx, Hx = Feststellung der Trockensubstanzmenge vor Zersetzung
Mittel TS in
% 70,08 66,44 67,61
Verluste in %
von Kontrolle
ausgehend 105,48% 100,00% 101,76%
Trockensubstanzverlust in %
105,48%
100,00%
101,76%
97,00%
98,00%
99,00%
100,00%
101,00%
102,00%
103,00%
104,00%
105,00%
106,00%
1
Varianten
Demeter
Kontrolle
Homa
Trockensubstanzverlust - Zersetzungstest 1
Trockensubstanzverlust - Zersetzungstest 2
40
7.2.3 Tomaten - Verkostung (Aura - Vernderungen)
Die Verkostung der 3. Ernte der Tomaten wurde am 18. August in Bielefeld bei Frau Alice Llfsmann,
Mitbegrnderin des Zentrum fr Energetisches Heilen und Medialitt, durchgefhrt. Frau Lsmann
hatte bereits einige Erfahrung bei der Beobachtung der Auravernderungen whrend Verkostungen
unterschiedlichster Lebensmittel.
Whrend das Lebensmittel gegessen wird, ndern sich in kurzer Zeit die Schwingungen, die Strke, also
das Aussehen der Aura, sowie ihre Form.
Folgendermaen wurden diese Beobachtungen durchgefhrt:
Blindversuch!
Die Tomaten waren geviertelt und auf Tellern zur Verkostung gereicht.
Frau Llfsmann sah sich erst die Aura der Person an, ohne ein Lebensmittel zu verkosten.
Whrend des Essens erluterte sie dann die Vernderungen, die sich im Aura-Feld und was darber
hinaus geht, sehen lassen.
Wir waren zwei Testpersonen - ich und Inge Zacharias. Wir waren Frau Llfsmann beide vorher nicht
bekannt.
Wie sich die nderungen auswirkten im Aurafeld und was fr Folgerungen man daraus schlieen knn-
te, mchte ich nachstehend beschreiben.
Weiterhin testeten wir noch die Wirkungen der Prparate, dafr hielten wir diese pur in der Hand.
Beschreibung (siehe Seite 43).
Alles, was hier erfahren und berichtet wird, muss natrlich in Anfhrungsstrichen gesehen wer-
den, da es sich um eine nicht wissenschaftlich anerkannte Methode handelt!
41
Aura-Vernderungen bei der Verkostung von Tomaten
42
Bild 1 - oben links: Variante Demeter
Auf den Schultern sieht man Stellenweise ein Aufblinken an der Krperperipherie, dieses Blinken breitet
sich weiter auf bis nach unten. Die Aura, der therkrper (anthroposophisch: therleib) dehnt sich lang-
sam aus und wird krftiger, er wird durch das Blinken aufgebaut. Die sichtbaren Auswirkungen gehen
jedoch nicht sehr weit ins Feld.
Bild 2 - oben rechts: Variante Kontrolle
Seichte Wellen, wie sich verteilender Wasserdampf bewegen sich horizontal, leicht schrg nach oben im
Brustbereich. Der therkrper wird nicht grer oder fester, er arbeitet eher seicht nach auen.
Bild 3 - unten links: Variante Homa - Person 1
Es ist kein Flimmern oder Flackern im Feld zu sehen, es ist sehr ruhig. Es ist eine groe ffnung im
Herzbereich zu sehen. (wie auch die Wirkung, die bei der Bildekrfteuntersuchung festgestellt wurde)
Der therkrper reagiert unterschiedlich, links und rechts sind verschiedene Auswirkungen zu sehen.
Nach kurzer Zeit (einige Sekunden) gleicht sich die Energie aus, die Wellen gehen ineinander ber.
Bild 4 - unten links: Variante Homa - Person 2
Es ist kein Flimmern oder Flackern im Feld zu sehen, es ist sehr ruhig.
Der therkrper reagiert auch hier unterschiedlich, die Wirkung geht auch hier ber den therkrper hi-
naus, allerdings ndet der Ausgleich hier von oben nach unten statt. Die Energie iet durch die Haarli-
nie und macht nach oben hin weit auf.
Beschreibung:
Die Wirkung geht bei Homa ber die Arbeit am therkrper hinaus und beeinusst den Astralleib.
Das Feld wird ausgerichtet, was normalerweise bei Verkostungen nicht der Fall ist. Die Ausrichtung
des Feldes kann man sonst nur sehen, wenn es sich um Erkenntnisse handelt, die eine Person in dem
Moment erlangt, also um mentale oder emotionale Arbeit der individuellen Person.
Homa berichtigt, gleicht aus und lsst eine neue Form entstehen. Das hat Frau Llfsmann sehr beein-
druckt und berrascht, da sie das so vorher in Bezug auf die Einnahme von Lebensmitteln noch nicht
erlebt hat.
Sie bezeichnete nach der Verkostung (sie hat die Tomaten und die Asche selbst probiert) die Homa-En-
ergie als berhrend, weich, herzlich und anrhrend. Sie haben da einen Schatz in den Hnden sagte
sie zum Abschied. An dieser Stelle vielen Dank fr Ihre Zeit und Untersttzung!
Frau Llfsmann geht davon aus, dass der Verzehr von Homa-Lebensmitteln (oder auch der Asche, siehe
Bilder unten, und deren Erluterungen), untersttzend wirken kann auf bestimmte anstehende Themen
die vom einzelnen gerade bearbeitet werden. Die Zusammenhnge von dem Gesehenen mit den
persnlichen anstehenden Themen, stimmten berein. Im Versuch stellte sich heraus, dass Homa sehr
individuell wirkt, whrend die Kontrolle und Demeter bei beiden Personen jeweils sehr hnliche, bis
gleiche Vernderungen zeigte. Weiter meinte sie, scheint es so, als wrde Homa bei der Rckanbindung
an die Anfnge helfend eingreifen und so den Weg zur Selbstndung untersttzen knnen.
Im Ganzen ist die Energie bei Homa viel feiner und subtiler, als bei der Variante Demeter.
Da leider nur an zwei Personen getestet, und die individuelle Vernderung bemerkt wurde, wre es
sicherlich interessant festzustellen, wie weit diese Individualisierung geht, ob es sich auch bei vielen
unterschiedlichen Personen so different zeigen wrde. - Wir werden das sicherlich weiter verfolgen und
weitere Untersuchungen gemeinsam vornehmen.
43
7.3 Die eingesetzten Prparate (Aura-Vernderung)
Aus Interesse haben wir noch die unterschiedlichen Wirkungen der in dieser Jahresarbeit eingesetzten
Prperate untersucht. Das Horn-Mist- und Horn-Kiesel -Prparat und die Angihotra-Asche wurden dabei
in der Hand gehalten.
Horn-Mist zeigt eine starke Krftigung des therkrpers und wellenfrmige Energien, der Puls des
therkrpers, ist deutlich zu sehen. Der Puls ist von oben nach unten gehend, erdend.
Horn-Kiesel lsst den therkper nur leicht strker werden, wirkt nach auen und oben. Es sind Impul-
se zu sehen, die vom Feld weggehen.
Auch hier zeigt sich bei Homa die gleiche individualisierte Wirkung wie bei der Verkostung der Tomaten.
Horn-Mist-Prparat Horn-Kiesel-Prparat
Homa-Asche Homa-Asche
44
8. Fazit
Mit dieser Arbeit mag fr den einen oder anderen vielleicht kein wissenschaftlich fundierter Nachweis
der Wirkung von Homa, der Feuerzeremonie Angihotra und der Anwendung der Asche als Dnger und
Heilmittel erreicht worden sein.
Fr mich soll diese Arbeit zeigen, dass es neben der biologisch-dynamischen Wirtschaftsweise noch
andere spirituelle Formen einer Belebung der Natur gibt. Diese Arbeit soll ein Gedankenansto an alle
sein, die mit der Welt, der Erde und sich selbst heilvolles tun wollen. Auf dem anthroposophischen Weg
gibt es dazu Mglichkeiten, es gibt viele Mediationen und bungen, die Rudolf Steiner in seinen B-
chern darstellt.
Ein weiterer Teil eines Weges ist die Feuerzeremonie in ihrem Rhythmus mit der Natur. Viele der Be-
schreibungen ber Homa wie:
Das Feuer ist ein direktes Medium zur feinstofichen Welt und eine Mglichkeit, mit den hheren Ebe-
nen des Bewusstseins in Verbindung zu treten. oder In einer weiteren Sichtweise stellt Agni auch das
Feuer der Sehnsucht zum Gttlichen hin dar, in dem die Krfte des Egos verbrannt werden.
kann ich durch das regelmige Durchfhren der Zeremonie nur besttigen. Das eigene Erleben,
Empnden, die persnlichen Erfahrung mit der Handlung lassen mich zu einer Sicherheit des Wirkens
gelangen.
Mit der Arbeit werde ich sicherlich fortfahren, sie in meinen Alltag einieen lassen, und wenn irgend
mglich werde ich weitere Versuche damit durchfhren.
Die Ergebnisse aus dieser Arbeit, sowohl die, zu sehen und zu erleben, dass gesunde Panzen und
Frchte zu ernten sind, wie auch die fr mich berzeugende Wirkung auf die Psyche des einzelnen zu
erfahren, freuen mich sehr. Besonders beeindruckend fand ich die Aussagen von Frau Llfsmann, die
besagen, dass der Verzehr von Homa-Lebensmitteln weitreichende Folgen auf das Erleben seines Selbst
haben knnen.
Im Grunde ist der Ansatz dem der biologisch-dynamischen Wirtschaftsweise sehr hnlich.
Beide Methoden wollen fr Mensch und Natur das Beste.
9. Persnliche Erfahrungen mit Homa
Morgens zum Sonnenaufgang aufstehen, und das ist im Sommer nun wirklich sehr frh, konnte ich
mir als Langschlfer niemals vorstellen. Auch wenn es mir sehr schwer viel und ich meinen innereren
Schweinehund berwinden musste, bereue ich keinen Morgen, an dem ich in der Morgendmmerung
auf die Wiese lief, mich unter einen Baum setzte, die Vorbereitungen fr das Feuer traf und die Zeremo-
nie durchfhrte.
Die Energie, die man spren kann, wenn man sich darauf einlsst, ist wirklich umwerfend. Ich sa da,
das Feuer brannte und nach kurzer Zeit kam die Sonne hinter den Hgeln hervor. Jeder kennt den bewe-
genden Augenblick, wenn der erste Lichtstrahl die Erde in ein zartes gelb taucht.
Durch die Zeremonie bin ich wesentlich offener und weicher fr die Welt und mich selbst geworden. Los-
lassen und mich dem Sein ergeben, el mir zeitweise wesentlich leichter. Ich bin davon berzeugt, dass,
wenn man sich der Zeremonie ffnet, sich DEM WAS IST hingibt, wird die feinstofiche Energie, oder das
Prana, die Lebensenergie, in einen einieen und auf machen. Da dieses in direkten Zusammenhang
mit meinem persnlichen Weg steht, und ich dadurch eine Mglichkeit gefunden habe, diesen zu unter-
sttzen, bin ich sehr dankbar, auf diesen Schatz gestoen zu sein.
Mit dem Bewusstsein, nicht nur fr mich etwas gutes zu tun, sondern genauso fr die Natur, die Tiere
und die Panzen, gehe ich weiter.
45
46
7. Versuchsergebnisse aus Deutschland und Indien
Erprobung alternativer Anbaustrategien: Homa-Landwirtschaft
Sylvia Kratz, Susanne Schroetter, Kornelia Ftings und Ewald Schnug - FAL Braunschweig
In einem Gefversuch ber 8 Wochen wurde die Dngewirkung von Agnihotraasche an Mais und Raps
untersucht. Im Vergleich standen eine unbehandelte Variante ohne Asche (oA) sowie jeweils eine mit
Agnihotraasche (AA) bzw. einer Kontrollasche (KA) (ohne Mantra und nicht zu Sonnenauf- oder unter-
gang, aber aus den gleichen Zutaten wie die Agnihotraasche, in einer Eisenwanne erzeugt) behandelte
Variante. Alle drei Varianten erhielten zustzlich eine mit gemahlenem Kuhdung wssrige Dngelsung.
Agnihotra- und Kontrollasche wurden bei den entsprechenden Varianten sowohl in das Substrat einge-
arbeitet als auch der Dngelsung beigemischt. In beiden Varianten mit Asche wurden bei Mais im
Mittel hhere Ertrge erzielt als in den Varianten ohne Asche, die hchsten Ertrge erbrachte die
Variante mit Agnihotraasche. Nicht in allen Fllen waren jedoch die Unterschiede statistisch signi-
kant. Whrend beim ungebeizten Raps keine Unterschiede zwischen den Varianten festzustellen waren,
zeigte der gebeizte Raps hnlich wie der Mais einen statistisch signikanten Ertragszuwachs der Varian-
te mit Agnihotraasche im Vergleich zur unbehandelten Variante. Weitere Parameter wie Panzeninhalts-
stoffe und panzenverfgbare Bodennhrstoffgehalte werden derzeit noch untersucht. Beantragt ist ein
Projekt zur Erprobung der Homa-Landwirtschaft im Feldmastab mit Durchfhrung der beschriebenen
Feuerpraxis.
Genaue Zahlen und Ergbnisse knnen in dieser Jahresarbeit noch nicht zitiert werden.
Nachweis der Wirkung nach Homa-Anwendung durch die Biophotonik
Quelle: http://www.biophotonik.de
Mit der Biophotonenanalyse knnen wir ein neuartiges Analyseverfahren anbieten, das jede relevante
Vernderung des biologischen oder physiologischen Zustandes eines Lebewesens als nderung der
Biophotonenemission nachweist.
Bei der Biophotonenanalyse wird die Lichtabgabe nach denierter Lichtanregung gemessen. Dazu ha-
ben Professor Fritz-Albert Popp und Mitarbeiter eines der lichtempndlichsten Messgerte (10-17 Watt)
entwickelt. Das ganz spezielle Abklingverhalten des Lichts ermglicht umfassende Rckschlsse auf
die Qualitt eines Lebensmittels. So kann die Biophotonenanalyse die visuelle Beurteilung von Quali-
tt objektiv und sinnvoll ersetzen. Die Anwendung beruht auf 25-jhriger Erfahrung. Die Methode wird
bereits von einigen bedeutenden Unternehmen der Lebensmittelindustrie und staatlichen Forschungs-
einrichtungen mit groem Nutzen eingesetzt.Diese sogenannte verzgerte Lumineszenz (delayed
luminescence)und ihr enger Zusammenhang zur Biophotonenemission sowie zu allen biologischen
Eigenschaften der untersuchten Objekte einschlielich intra- und interzellulrer Kommunikation wurde
von Popp erstmals aufgedeckt und vollstndig beschrieben. Diese Phnomene sind zur Zeit intensiver
Forschungs-und Enticklungsgegenstand der international fhrenden Wissenschaftler auf dem Gebiet
der Biophotonik (www.lifescientists.de).
Mitarbeiter vom Homa-Hof in Heiligenberg dazu: Lebensmittel vom Homa-Hof - Heiligenberg wurden
untersucht und wiesen eine farbliche Vernderung der Strahlung auf.
Weiter gibt jede Menge Erfahrungsberichte ber die Wirkung von Homa im Internet nachzulesen.
Anhang:
Forschungsergebnisse aus Deutschland und Indien:
S. Kratz and E. Schnug / Landbauforschung Vlkenrode 3
Dr Atul (Project Director)
College of Agriculture
CSK HP Krishi Vishvavidyalaya
Palampur-176 062 (H. P.)
- Indien -
47
S. Kratz and E. Schnug / Landbauforschung Vlkenrode 3 / 2007 (57):207-211 207
Homa Farming - a vedic re for agriculture: Inuence of Agnihotra ash on water solubility of soil P
Sylvia Kratz
1
and Ewald Schnug
1
1
Federal Agricultural Research Center (FAL), Institute of Plant Nu-
trition and Soil Science, Bundesallee 50, 38116 Braunschweig/
Germany; Email: sylvia.kratz@fal.de
Abstract
The inuence of Agnihotra ash on the solubility of soil P
was investigated applying three different extraction meth-
ods: 48-hour water extraction according to Lai (no year),
1-hour water extraction according to van der Paauw et al.
(1971) and CAL-extraction according to Schller (1969).
Applying the 48-hour water extraction, it was found that
Agnihotra-ash may increase the amount of extractable
P in soil. However, this effect was also generated with a
non-Agnihotra ash, which was produced without chanting
a mantra, and not at sunrise or sunset. It was particularly
strong when the non-Agnihotra ash was produced in a cop-
per pyramid. The 1-hour water extraction according to van
der Paauw et al. (1971) and the CAL-extraction were not
suitable to replicate the effects observed in the 48-hour wa-
ter extraction, i.e. no increase in the amount of extractable
soil P was found in the ash treatments with these meth-
ods. A possible explanation may be the time of soil / ash
contact, which may have been too short in the two latter
extraction methods to allow the subtle energetic forces to
unfold their effects.
Keywords: Agnihotra ash, homa farming, soil P solubility,
soil P extraction methods
Zusammenfassung
Homa Farming - ein vedisches Feuer fr die Landwirt-
schaft: Einuss von Agnihotra-Asche auf die Wasser-
lslichkeit von Phosphor im Boden
Anhand von drei verschiedenen Extraktionsmethoden
wurde der Einuss von Agnihotra-Asche auf die Lslich-
keit von P im Boden untersucht: durchgefhrt wurden
eine 48-stndige Wasserextraktion nach Lai (ohne Jahr),
eine 1-stndige Wasserextraktion nach van der Paauw et
al. (1971) und eine CAL-Extraktion nach Schller (1969).
Die Ergebnisse der 48-stndigen Wasserextraktion zeigten,
dass durch Agnihotra-Asche die Menge des lslichen P im
Boden erhht werden kann. Allerdings wurde eine hn-
liche Wirkung auch bei der Kontrollasche beobachtet, die
ohne das Singen eines Mantras und nicht zu Sonnenauf-
oder untergang erzeugt worden war. Besonders deutlich
war der Effekt der Kontrollasche dann, wenn diese in ei-
ner Kupferpyramide hergestellt worden war. Weder die
einstndige Wasserextraktion nach van der Paauw et al.
(1971) noch die CAL-Extraktion waren geeignet, die bei
der 48-stndigen Extraktion beobachteten Effekte zu repli-
zieren, d.h. die Ergebnisse dieser beiden Methoden zeigten
keinen Anstieg des lslichen P im Boden durch die Asche-
behandlungen. Ein Erklrungsansatz knnte in der Dauer
des Boden / Asche-Kontaktes liegen, die bei diesen beiden
Methoden mglicherweise zu kurz war, um eine volle Ent-
faltung der feinstofichen Krfte der Agnihotra-Asche zu
erlauben.
Schlsselwrter: Agnihotra-Asche, Homa-Landwirtschaft,
Lslichlichkeit des Boden-P, P-Extraktionsverfahren
48
208
from the ancient Atharva Vedas
*
. The technical term
Yajnya denotes a process of removing the toxic conditions
effects on man, animals and plants (Paranjpe, 1989).
teacher Parama Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj and his
student, Shree Vasant V. Paranjpe. Today, it is mainly prac-
is also gaining increasing attention in North America and
Europe.
-
also accredited with having healing properties. Dissolved
in water and sprayed onto plants, it is said to have fertiliz-
-
mon methods of organic farming.
According to the ayurvedic medical doctor and scientist
-
-
trients to move faster, and thus supporting plant growth and
reproduction. Furthermore, a stimulation of photosynthesis
and plant respiration, which improves the entire oxygen
A couple of reports from India, Peru, Venezuela, the Unit-
Homa farming on plant germination, development, health
Perales et al., 2000; Quintero, 1998; Schinagl, 2004). With
-
of macro nutrients and trace elements and a stimulation
*
The Vedas are one of the most ancient religious texts still in exist-
down in Sanskrit starting in the second millennium B.C. The Atharva
Vedas were written down around 200 B.C. and contain a collection
of hymns, mantras, chants, incantations and metaphysical texts (see
www.sacred-texts.com).
of earth worm activity are postulated as a direct result of
Homa treatment (Paranjpe, 1989).
The cited reports indicate to a strong potential of Homa
farming for improving plant performance in an ecologi-
-
-
-
soils were treated with Agnihotra ash (Lai, no year). The
two types of ash were used to study their effect on water
ingredients in the same copper pyramid as the Agnihotra
mantra.
5 g soil were mixed with 0.1 g ash (Agnihotra / non-Ag-
nihotra) and shaken in 25 ml water for 48 hours. The same
amount of ash (Agnihotra / non-Agnihotra) was shaken
without soil in 25 ml water for 48 hours. Finally, water
-
tions.
In the study presented here, a set of experiments was con-
Experiment 1: This experiment was conducted exactly
Agnihotra ash (NA 1) were produced in a copper pyramid
25 ml deionised water for 48 hours. As a test soil, a German
silty-loamy sand, pH 5) was used. In addition to the ashes
and soil-ash mixtures, 5 g of soil without ash were shaken
in water in the same manner. After shaking, the soil-ash-
(grade: 292), and P content was determined colorimetri-
cally according to John (1970).
Experiment 2: In this experiment, the non-Agnihotra ash
(NA 2) was produced in an iron vessel instead of a copper
the outcome of the experiment. Apart from this, everything
else was done in the same manner as in experiment 1.
49
S. Kratz and E. Schnug / Landbauforschung Vlkenrode 3 / 2007 (57):207-211 209
Experiment 3: In order to compare the extraction method
-
P, a third experiment was conducted applying the water
extraction after van der Paauw et al. (1971) and the CAL
extraction after Schller (1969). In order to keep these ex-
ash ratio as in the Lai experiment (i.e. 50:1) was chosen
for all extractions.
All treatments were performed in 3 replicates.
To determine total P, Cu and Fe contents, ashes were ex-
-
ysis was done colorimetrically according to John (1970),
assessed according to the instructions for fertilizer analysis
Scheff-post hoc test.
In his original experiment, Lai (no year) found that the
addition of Agnihotra ash (AA) increased the amount of
-
P in treated soils did not solely originate from the addition
of the ashes to the soils. Unfortunately, Lai did not test the
-
Description of ashes used in the experiments (mean values of 3 replicates)
P
AR
P
CA
P
W
Cu Fe
Ash type mg/kg mg/kg % P
AR
mg/kg % P
AR
mg/kg mg/kg
AA 1 26338 19669 75 375 1.4 5626 29984
NA 1
Cu
26991 19675 73 363 1.3 465 14669
AA 2 20319 20431 100 74.7 0.37 4921 16718
NA 2
Fe
22498 21649 96 133 0.59 83 15082
(mg P/0.1 g ash or mg P/5.1 g soil-ash mixture)
Ash type Soil yes/no Lai Lai This study This study
Colorado 1 Colorado 2 Ex. 1: copper Ex. 2: iron
NA -- 3.4 0.038 0.008
AA -- 8.9 0.026 0.007
NA + soil 21 11.5 0.090
a, x
0.024
a, x
AA + soil 86 57.5 0.103
0.055
-- Soil only n.d. n.d. 0.004
c
0.003
c
Theoretical calculation: Sum of P in 5 g soil + 0.1 g ash
NA 0.042
y
0.011
y
AA 0.030
y
0.010
y
mixture and theoretical calculation, t-test).
50
210
-
smaller than in the Lai experiment. While the addition
of non-Agnihotra ash (NA, Ex. 2) produced in an iron ves-
P in the treatment with NA produced in a copper pyramid
cess plays an important role for the effect of ashes on soil P
copper content of AA 2 produced in a copper pyramid was
in an iron vessel. When the NA was produced in a copper
vessel as well (Exp. 1, NA 1), however, its copper content
was still lower than that of the corresponding AA (Exp. 1,
-
Agnihotra as well as non-Agnihotra ash, had a positive ef-
10 times lower in the untreated soil than in the soil treated
-
taining ash, a theoretical calculation was performed (Ta-
the soil-ash mixtures (5.1 g) was clearly higher (2 to 5
ash in all four cases. Thus it is clear that some other factor,
-
-
extraction methods such as water extraction according to
van der Paauw et al. (1971) and CAL-extraction accord-
ing to Schller (1969). In experiment 3 - 1, where the non-
-
retical calculation (sum of P from soil and ash as single
the soil-ash mixture was even lower than that in the pure
extraction methods tested here is the time of shaking the
soil-ash-water mixture. In the Lai experiment, this mix-
der Paauw et al. (1971) and Schller (1969) allot only 1 or
here to unfold their effects. However, this is not completely
true in the case of the water extraction according to van der
Paauw et al. (1971), as the soil-ash mixture is left standing
70 ml deionised water and shaking.
Interestingly, in experiment 3 - 2, where the non-Agni-
were less distinct: Whereas in the case of Agnihotra ash,
(P-W: mg P/0.03 g ash or mg P/1.53 g soil-ash mixture;
P-CAL: mg P/0.1 g ash or mg P/5.1 g soil-ash mixture)
Ash type Soil yes/no P-W P-CAL
Ex. 3 - 1: copper Ex. 3 - 2: iron Ex. 3 - 1: copper Ex. 3 - 2: iron
NA -- 0.074 0.016 0.920 0.448
AA -- 0.072 0.026 0.883 0.602
NA + soil 0.059
a, x
0.027
a, x
0.666
a, x
0.529
a, x
AA + soil 0.060
a, x
0.049
0.674
a, x
0.729
-- Soil only 0.003
0.008
c
0.049
0.084
c
Theoretical calculation: Sum of P in 1.5 g soil + 0.03g ash / 5 g soil + 0.1 g ash
NA 0.077
y
0.024
y
0.968
y
0.532
x
AA 0.075
y
0.034
y
0.932
y
0.686
y
-
mixture and theoretical calculation, t-test).
51
S. Kratz and E. Schnug / Landbauforschung Vlkenrode 3 / 2007 (57):207-211 211
-
culation, the non-Agnihotra ash-soil mixture displayed
While the use of the iron vessel for the production of non-
the different performance of Agnihotra ash in experiments
3 - 1 and 3 - 2.
From the results presented here, the potential of Homa
farming and Agnihotra ash in particular to improve the solu-
As was shown in the experiments, the use of copper ves-
-
to clarify the exact function of the different components in
/ extractant on the amounts of soil P extracted from the
mixtures.
Quintero C (1998) Project operation rejuvenation Venezuela eradiction
Wien : Univ Bodenkultur
Schller H (1960) Die CAL-Methode, eine neue Methode zur Bestim-
-
naehr Dueng Bodenkd 123:48-63
fosfaatextractie van grond met water : het Pw-getal. Wageningen : PU-
-
Untersuchungsmethodik : Bd. 2, Die Untersuchung von Dngemitteln.
52
Half early report of the Experiment Studies on Bio-inoculants in Composts Enrichment
The experiment was started with three objectives as follows-
a. To standardize the dose of bio-inoculants
b. To work out the time and method of inoculation in compost and biodynamic compost and
c. Effect of inoculants on nutrient content of composts
A. To standardize the dose of bio-inoculants
To meet this objective, an experiment was conducted using two bio inoculants namely Aspergillus
awamori and Azotobacter chroococcum. Four doses of the bioagents @ 2, 4, 6 and 8g/kg were applied in
vermicompost enriched with rock phosphate and population dynamics of these bioagents were studied
evaluated at 0, 20, 30 ad 40 days interval. The samples of compost were collected for the estimation of
nitrogen and phosphorus content at the same intervals (Table 1.1). The data indicated an increase in
population of both inoculants with increase in dose upto 20 days, but after that population started
declining. For determination of nitrogen and phosphorus content, samples have been sent, the results of
which are awaited.
Table 1.1: Population dynamics of Azotobactor and A. awamorii in P enriched vermicompost.
Colony count (cfu X 10
6
g) Bio- inoculants Dose (g / kg) /
Days 0 20 40
2 0.04 25 10.1
4 0.10 48 20.2
6 0.15 56 28.3
Azotobacter
chroococcum
8 0.21 60 31.1
2 0.06 9 0.2
4 0.09 20 0.9
6 0.10 31 1.0
Asprgillus awamorii
8 0.26 36 1.3
In order to study the effects of agnihotra ash in the enrichment of compost, its effects on growth
of bioinoculants were studied under laboratory conditions. It was observed that that the agnihotra ash
supported the growth of all the bio-inoculants tested viz. Azotobacter chroococcum, Aspergillus
awamorii, Trichoderma harzianum and Pesudomonas fluorescens (Table 1.2). Increase in growth
was recorded with increase in concentration from 1 to 4 per cent concentration. Maximum increase
(62.5%) of growth was observed in Trichoderma followed by 60.3 per cent of Azotobacter. Whereas
35 percent and 50 per cent increase was recorded in A. awamorii and Pseudomonas, respectively
53
Table 1.2: Effect of agnihotra on bio- inoculants
Per cent increase in growth Concentration
Bio-inoculants
1% 2% 4%
Azotobacter 57.1 58.4 60.3
A. awamorii 13.3 57.1 50
Trichoderma 55.8 44.4 62.5
Pesudomonas 10.6 20.3 35
CD (P=0.05) 1.1 1.3 1.4
.
B. To work out the time and method of inoculation in composts and BD composts.
Two bioinoculants Aspergillus awamorii and Azotobacter chroococcum have been inoculated
into the vermicompost at 30, 45 and 60 days interval during the process of its preparation. This
experiment is in progress. As soon as vermicompost will be completely ready, the samples will we
drawn and analyzed for phosphorus and nitrogen content respectively.
C. Effect of inoculants on nutrient contents of composts
To study the effects of bioinoculants on nutrient contents of the different composts, three
cultures viz. Azotobacter chroococcum, Aspergillus awamorii, Trichoderma harzianum were inoculated
individually as well as in different combinations @ 4g/kg in different composts i.e. BD compost,
vermicompost and FYM . The data on population dynamics of these bioinoculants was recorded at 20,
30 and 40 days. The samples of composts were also drawn in order to analyze them for nutrient contents
at the same time. The nutrient data is still awaited and the data on the effect of treatments on population
count of have been presented in Table 1.4a, 1.4b and 1.4c. The analysis of the samples before inoculation
revealed that the population of all the test bioinoculants was zero. A perusal of data in Table 1.4a reveals
that the population of Aspergillus and Azotobacter was highest in rock phosphate enriched compost on
20
th
day and then it started declining but desirable population was observed after 4oth day of inoculation.
The population of Azotobater was more on 40
th
day in the non amended compost. The population of
Trichoderma was recorded to be 0.3 and 0.003x10
6
cfu/g after 40days. The population of both
Trichoderma and Aspergillus was improved when applied in combination. Similarly Azotobacter grew
well when applied in combination as compared to when it was applied alone.
54
Table 1.4a. Population dynamics of bioinoculants* in BD compost at different intervals
Population of bioinoculants (cfux10
6
/gm) **
With rock phosphate (days) Without rock phosphate (days) Treatments
20 30 40 20 30 40
AS 17.3 6.1 2.6 13.7 5.3 2.0
AZ 61.0 42.2 28.0 18.0 51.2 45.0
T 3.0 1.2 0.3 5.3 0.07 0.003
AS+AZ
5.7+ 53.0
(58.7)
6+48
(54.0)
3+41
(44.0)
6.9+61.0
(67.9)
5+3 5
(40.0)
3+44
(47.0)
T+AZ
4.6 +50
(54.6)
1.5+ 38
(39.5)
0.001+28
(28.001)
5.4 + 20
( 25.4)
0.5+ 15
(15.5)
0.003+ 13.0
(13.003)
T+AS
5.3+ 30.6
(35.9)
0.3+15.0
(15.3)
0.08+15
(15.08)
4 .0 + 2 .0
(6.0)
0.6+ 11.0
(11.6)
0.002+1.0
(1.002)
T+AS+AZ
6+4.3+27.3
(37.6)
6.9+4.2+15.
3
(26.4)
0.03+2+2.0
(4.03)
7.0+ 0.3+
23.0
(30.0)
19.0+1+19.3
(39.3)
0.6+0.08+15
.0
(15.68)
*AS- Aspergillus AZ-Azotobacter, T-Trichoderma
** Figures in parentheses is the sum of different populations of bioinoculants
The data w.r.t. population dynamics of bioinoculants in vermicompost has been presented in Table
1.4b. The population of Aspergillus and Trichoderma was high in rock phosphate enriched compost whereas
Azotobacter population was recorded to the tune of 38x10
6
cfu/g after 40 days in non amended compost
compared to 5.1x10
6
cfu/g in amended one. The population of Azotobater improved in amended compost
when applied in combination with Trichoderma or Aspergillus or both.
Table 1.4b. Population dynamics of bioinoculants* in vermicompost at different intervals
Population of bioinoculants (cfux10
6
/gm)**
With rock phosphate (days) Without rock phosphate (days) Treatments
20 30 40 20 30 40
AS 18.0 10.0 2.0 6.6 3.7 1.0
AZ 43.0 31.1 5.1 54.0 44.8. 38.0
T 3.3 2.1 1.2 2.3 1.0 0.9
AS+AZ
4.3+31.0
(35.3)
1.2 +24.0
(25.2)
0.2+19.0
(19.2)
3.0+67
(70.0)
0.8 +39
(39.8)
0.07+18
(18.07)
T+AZ
3.6 + 45.3
(48.9)
0.4+36.0
(36.4)
0.002+16.0
(16.002)
9.3 +29.7
(39.0)
2.1+ 24
(26.1)
0.09+20.0
(20.09)
T+AS
1.2+ 4.0
(5.2)
0.002+0.8
(0.802)
0.002+
0.008
(0.010)
4.6+3
(7.6)
0.7+ 0. 4
(1.1)
0.002+ 0.005
(0.007)
T+AS+AZ
3+6+30.3
(39.3)
0.1+0.8+
22.0
(22.9)
0.003+
0.006+11.0
(11.009)
3.6+3.0+
32.7
(39.3)
0.3+0.8+21
(22.1)
0.003+
0.001+18.0
(18.004)
*AS- Aspergillus AZ-Azotobacter, T-Trichoderma
** Figures in parentheses is the sum of different populations of bioinoculants
55
Population dynamics of bioinoculants in FYM at different intervals has been presented in Table 1.4c. The
population of Aspergillus was recorded to be higher in case of rock phosphate enriched FYM (0.08x10
6
cfu/g) on
40
th
day of inoculation , but that of Azotobacter and Trichoderma was more in FYM which was not amended on
30
th
day (49.0 and 1.0x10
6
cfu/g respectively). Higher population of Azotobacter was recorded when it was applied
in combination with Aspergillus or Trichoderma in both amended and non amended compost.
Table 1.4c. Population dynamics of bioinoculants* in FYM at different intervals
Population of bioinoculants (cfux10
6
/gm)**
With rock phosphate (days) Without rock phosphate (days) Treatments
20 30 40 20 30 40
AS 15.3 4.3 0.08 1.4 3.0 0.05
AZ 56.0 34 22.3 62.0 49.0 31.3
T 3.7 0.05 .003 9.0 1.0 0.001
AS+AZ
6.3+40
(46.3)
0.7+26
(26.7)
0.02+19
(19.02)
3.7+38
(41.7)
0 .8+31.0
(31.8)
0.001+25.0
(25.001)
T+AZ
3.3+ 55.0
(58.3)
0.08+41.3
(41.4)
0.004+35
(35.004)
5+28.7
(33.7)
0.2+21.0
(21.2)
0.002+19.0
(19.002)
T+AS
1.6+ 12
(13.6)
0.6+2.1
(2.7)
0.003+
0.037
(.04)
4+ 9.3
(13.3)
0.9+ 0.8
(1.7)
0.003+ 0.001
(.004)
T+AS+AZ
2.3+4.3+
19.6
(26.2)
0.2+0.8+
12.1
(13.1)
0.08+0.009+9
.0
(9.1)
3.7+0.3+24
(28.0)
0.06+.03+
18.0
(18.09)
0.001+.001+1
2.7
(12.9)
*AS- Aspergillus AZ-Azotobacter, T-Trichoderma
** Figures in parentheses is the sum of different populations of bioinoculants
An appraisal of the experiments suggests that the population of all the bioinoculants is supported
by all types of composts upto 40 days of inoculation to the level of 10
6
cfu/g compost which is desirable
as Aspergillus awamori is good phosphate solubilizer, Azotobacter a good nitrogen fixer and
Trichoderma a potential biocontrol agent.
56
Evaluation of bioagents and botanicals for the management of major diseases and insect pests of
organic farm
A. Efficacy of different composts in the management of plant diseases in the organic farm
The experiment conducted on maize to evaluate the comparative efficacy of different composts
revealed that three diseases viz., Banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB), Maydis blight and Turcicum
blight were predominant in the crop. Initially BLSB severity ranged from 7-15.5 per cent while severity
of Maydis and Turcicum blights ranged from 2-3 per cent and 1-2 percent, respectively (Table
1).Combination of FYM/VC with BD resulted into reduced severity of diseases. The terminal severity of
BLSB increased from 15.5 to 49.6 per cent in control whereas in all treatments progress was
comparatively less. Combination of VC 5 t + BD 2t /ha and VC 10t + BD 1t/ha resulted least BLSB
terminal severity (32.9 & 38.1 percent, respectively). Maydis and Turcicum blights were not observed on
3
rd
August, however, the
Table 1: Comparative efficacy of different compost in controlling plant diseases of maize in farm
during kharif 2006
Terminal disease severity (%)
Treatments BLSB*
Maydis
blight Turcicum blight
3/8 5/ 9 5/9 5/9
FYM 20t/ha 11.7(19.9) 47.4 (43.5) 43.3 (41.2) 22.3(28.1)
VC 15 t /ha 11.9 (20.2) 44.9(42.1) 46.6(43.1) 24.2(29.4
BD 5t/ha 11.4 (19.7) 44.0(41.5) 42.9 (40.9) 21.9(27.9)
FYM 15t+ BD 1 t
/ha 11.4 (19.6) 40.7(39.6) 41.2 (39.9) 20.4(26.8)
FYM 10t+ BD 2
t/ha 9.9 (18.4) 38.1(38.1) 39.9(39.2) 19.4(26.2)
VC 10t+ BD 1 t
/ha 10.9 (19.3) 39.7(39.1) 41.0(39.8) 22.9(28.6)
VC 5 t+ BD 2 t/ha 7.0(15.4) 32.9(34.9) 37.9(38.0) 19.2(25.90
FYM 15t+ VC
5t/ha 12.4(20.7) 44.4(41.7) 45.4(42.3) 22.4(28.2
FYM10t+ VC 10
t/ha 11.8 (20.1) 41.8(40.3) 44.6(41.9) 23.2(28.7)
Control 15.5 (23.2) 49.6(44.7) 48.4 (44.1) 27.3(31.4)
CD (p=0.05) 1.4 1.3 0.8 1.0
Figures in parentheses are angular transformed values
*Banded leaf and sheath blight
VC- Vermicompost, FYM-Farm Yard Manures, BD-Biodynamic compost
terminal severities of both the blights were significantly reduced in those plots having VC 5 t +
BD 2t /ha. The data revealed that compost especially combination of vermin compost and biodynamic
compost apart from improving the soil health and yields, were effective in reducing the diseases.
57
B. Effect of intercropping of Tagetes in Baby corn and grain maize on diseases of
Intercrops
BLSB, Maydis blight, Turcicum blight in maize and Alternaria leaf spot on Tagetes were the
predominant diseases. BLSB severity ranged from 6.1 to 12.9 per cent whereas 1- 2 per cent infection of
Maydis blight and Turcicum blight was observed at early stages of the crop (Table 2). Least BLSB
severity was observed on pure grain maize (GM) and Baby corn but increased when Tagetes was
intercropped. However in general, BLSB was less in treatments where broadcasting of Tagetes was done
in maize grain /baby corn. At the tasseling stage minimum severity (27.85%) was observed when Tagetes
was broadcasted in maize grain followed by (29.3%) BC + Tagetes (2:1). Whereas lowest severity (14.0
and 11.6%) of Maydis and Turcicum blights were observed in BC+ Tagetes (1:2) followed by (14.9 and
13.7%) GM + Tagetes (2:1) .
On Tagetes at early stages, 2-3 percent Alternaria leaf spot was noticed but it increased up to 15.1
per cent with time. Minimum severity (9.9%) was observed in GM+ Tagetes (1:1) followed by (10.1%)
with broadcasting of Tagetes in grain maize and 11.1 per cent by GM+ Tagetes (2:1) and GM+
Tagetes(1:2). However all these treatments were statistically at par with each other in reducing the
disease.
Table 2: Effect of intercropping of Tagetes in Baby corn and grain maize on maize and Tagetes
diseases during 2006
Figures in parentheses are angular transformed values GM-grain maize BC-baby corn
Terminal disease severity (%)
Treatments BLSB
Maydis
blight
Turcicum
blight
Alternaria leaf
spot
3/8 5/9 5/9 5/9 5/9
GM (Pure) 11.1(19.4) 33.3(35.2) 19.2(25.9) 14.5(22.3) -
Baby corn (Pure) 11.6(19.9) 33.3(35.2) 19.8(26.4) 15.1(22.8) -
GM + Tagetes (1:1) 11.3(19.7) 36.7(37.3) 16.8(24.1) 18.2(25.2) 9.9(18.3)
GM+Tagetes (1:2) 11.6(19.9) 39.6(38.9) 19.1(25.8 19.9(26.5) 11.1(19.4)
GM+Tagetes (2:1) 12.9(21.1) 42.9(40.9) 14.9(22.7) 13.7(21.7) 11.1(19.4)
Broadcasting of
Tagetes in maize grain
8.3(16.6) 27.8(31.8) 19.4(26.1) 14.6(22.5) 10.1(18.6)
BC+Tagetes (1:1) 11.9(20.2) 41.8(40.3) 14.0(21.9) 11.6(19.8 14(21.9)
BC+Tagetes (1:2) 10.9(19.3) 43.5(42.2) 23.1(28.7) 15.0(22.8) 12.5(20.7)
BC+Tagetes (2:1) 9.5(17.9) 29.3(32.7) 23.1(28.7) 18.4(25.4) 11.9(20.2)
Broadcasting of
Tagetes in Baby corn 6.1(14.3) 30.9(33.7) 25.0(30.6) 23.3(28.8) 15.1(22.8)
CD(p=0.05) 2 1.4 1.6 1.5 1.9
58
C. Effect of biodynamic calendar and organic manure on the diseases of maize and
soybean
Effect of biodynamic calendar and organic manures on maize and soybean diseases revealed that
crops sown according to panchang showed less disease severities as compared to non panchang and
addition of manures had positive effect on diseases (Table 3). Minimum disease severities (5.1 to 27.0%)
of BLSB 1.5 to 27.1 per cent of Maydis and Turcicum blights were recorded in P + BD treatment
followed by P+ FYM. These treatments were significantly different in crop sown according to non
panchang. The data on soybean diseases revealed that Septoria leaf spot (3-4%) was observed at the initial
stage of crop. After one month, severity decreased but Target leaf spot was observed. P+BD and
P+FYM treatments showed least disease severity 15.1 and 15.5% per cent, respectively
Table 3: Effect of biodynamic calendar and organic manure on the diseases of maize and
soybean during 2006
Figures in parentheses are angular transformed values
P- Panchang, NP-Non panchang, BD-Biodynamic compost
VC- Vermicompost, CT- Compost Tea
Terminal disease severity (%)
Treatments
BSLB Maydis blight Turcicum blight
Target leaf
spot
3/8 5/9 3/8 5/9 5/9 5/9
P+BD 5.1(13.0) 27(31.3) 1.5(6.8) 27.1(31.4) 15.1(22.8) 15.1(22.8)
P+FYM 6.6(14.9) 32.3(34.6) 2.2(8.5) 31.5(34.1) 15.5(32.2) 15.5(32.2)
P+CT 11.6(19.9) 34.6(36.0) 2.4(8.7) 34.4(35.9) 22.3(28.1) 22.3(28.1)
P+VC 10.1(18.6) 38.2(38.2) 2.2(8.5) 37.3(37.6) 21.9(27.9) 21.9(27.9)
P 12.5(20.7) 40.5(39.5) 2.6(9.3) 39.6(39.0) 25.0(30.6) 29.3((32.7)
NP+BD 11.9(20.2) 41.1(39.8) 3.8(11.3) 39.3(38.7) 21.9(27.9) 32.3(34.6)
NP+FYM 12.1(20.4) 42.2(40.3) 6.0(14.2) 38.8(38.5) 24.2(29.4) 34.4(35.9)
NP+CT 8.9(17.3) 38.5(38.3) 4.4(12.0) 40.7(39.6) 27.3(31.4) 33.8(35.8)
NP+VC 12.8(20.9) 40.3(39.4) 4.1(11.7) 42.2(40.5) 22.3(27.9) 24.6(29.0)
NP 18.0(25.1) 47.4(43.5) 7.3(15.7) 44.0(41.6) 29..3(32.7) 38.5(38.3)
CD(p=05) 2.1 1.8 2.2 1.4 1.2 1.3
59
D. Effect of integrated organic crop management on Alternaria leaf spot of Tagetes
The experiment conducted on Tagetes to see the effect of integration of different organic
management practices namely, FYM, VC, Bt, Himbio, biopesticide ( neem seed kernel extract) and BD
502, were evaluated in combination with each other on crop sown according to panchang and non
panchang. The disease was first appeared on lower leaves and was more on non panchang sown crop as
compared to Panchang sown crop (Table 5). After 60 days of sowing on panchang sown crop terminal
disease severity was significantly differed from that on non panchang crop, but on integration with other
organic management strategies, the effect on disease reduction was significantly high. Minimum disease
severity (31.5%) was recorded in FYM +VC +Bio +P followed by (32.5%) FYM + VC + Bt + Himbio +
P and (32.6%) FYM + VC +Homa + P. These treatments were at par with each other.
Table 5: Effect of integrated organic crop management on alternaria leaf spot of Tagetes during
2006.
Figures in parentheses indicate angular transformed values
NP-Non panchang , P- panchang, BD-Biodynamic compost
VC- Vermicompost, Himbio-mixture of four Trichoderma spp. (JMA-4, JMA-11,SMA-5 & DMA-8)
Homa- Homa bhasam, Bt- commercial formulation
Bio-Neem seed kernel extract
Treatment Terminal disease severity (%) on 5.9.06
FYM+VC+P 33.3(35.2)
FYM+VC+Bio+P 31.5(34.1)
FYM+ VC+Homa+P 32.6(34.8)
FYM+VC+Bt+Himbio+P 32.5(34.7)
FYM+BD 502+P 41.1(39.8)
P 43.7(41.4)
NP 45.5(42.4)
FYM+VC+NP 43.7(41.3)
FYM+VC+Bio+NP 42.9(40.9)
FYM+ VC+Homa+NP 40.8(39.6)
FYM+VC+Bt+Himbio+NP 41.7(40.2)
FYM+BD 502+NP 42.3(40.5)
CD(p=0.05) 2.1
60
E. Diseases scenario on crops grown in the modern organic farm
In pure soybean, Septoria leaf spot disease was predominant at early stage of the crop. In
panchang crop the severities ranged from 7.2 to 11.1 per cent where as in non panchang crop it ranged
from 5.6 to 12.5 per cent after 30 days of sowing. Similar trend was observed in early flowering stage of
the crop. In intercropping of maize and soybean, after 30 days of sowing, in panchang crop, it varied from
4.5 to 5.3 per cent and in non panchang crop 4.8 to 7.0 per cent.
Soybean mosaic virus disease ranged from 31.1 to 48 2 per cent in both types of crop. In general there
was not much difference in severity of different diseases of crops viz. kulthi, cowpea, mung, mash etc.
The important diseases recorded on these crops were ; Colletotrichum and Cercospora leaf spot. Whereas
in fodders crops, BLSB and Drechslera blight were noticed in maize. Two medicinal plants Aloe vera and
lemon grass were free from diseases.
F. Isolation of causal organism of diseases of field crops in organic farm.
Isolation of different pathogens; Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, Helminthosporium
turcicum, H. maydis and Septoria glycine was made and their pure cultures are being maintained for
further studies. The different botanicals (neem based, field horse tail, Artemisia and other locally
available plants) and bioagents (local strains and commercially available) will we tested against these
pathogens.
61
Half Yearly Progress Report
(May, 2006 to October, 2006)
ORGANIC FARMING IN HILL AGRICULTURE
UNDER THE PLAN SCHEME
(STRENGTHENING AND DEVELOPMENT OF
AGRICULTURE EDUCATION) NICHE AREA
OF EXCELLENCE
Experiment 5
Impact of integrated organic crop
management on productivity of
medicinal plant based system
Research Team :
Dr Atul (Project Director)
Dr. JP Saini, Scientist (PI) Dr. Punam (Co-PI)
Dr. Rameshwar, Co-PI (Co-PI) Dr. Neelam Sharma (Co-PI)
Dr. Pankaj Sood (Co-PI)
Sheetal Sharma (Research Fellow)
Rohit Sharma (Research Fellow)
College of Agriculture
CSK HP Krishi Vishvavidyalaya
Palampur-176 062 (H. P.)
November, 2006
ORGANIC FARMING IN HILL AGRICULTURE UNDER THE PLAN SCHEME
(STRENGTHENING AND DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE EDUCATION) -NICHE
AREA OF EXCELLENCE
Experiment 5
Impact of integrated organic crop management on productivity of medicinal plant
based system
Date of start and duration: May, 2006; One Year
62
Preamble
The urge for organic way of farming is gaining momentum all over the world due to
burgeoning signs of unsustainability in agriculture, degradation of natural resources and
heavy debit charge on ecology and environment adversely affecting the welfare of human
society. The problem is more intense in stressed eco-regions especially in hilly areas that
are regarded as the harbinger of resource regeneration and climatic stability. In many
cases, over 90 per cent of inorganic produce of vegetables, foodgrains, fruits, milk, etc.,
produced under conventional farming system contain poisonous agro-chemicals residues
harmful and unsuitable for consumption. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to devise
methods and practices of farming, respectful of ecological principles, so as to give sound
and pertinent recommendations to the policy makers and farmers in order to ensure food
security and low-cost sustainable agriculture in 21
st
-century. Realizing the importance and
potential of organic farming in mountain regions of the country, ICAR has sanctioned this
project to CSK HPKV, Palampur. The university has already got trained multi-disciplinary
team of resource persons and established model organic farm. In lieu of this, the present
project would enhance the R & D endeavors of the university in the area of organic
farming. In this backdrop, various field experiments have been designed to study the effect
of different organic inputs (including bio-manures/ biopesticides) on crop productivity,
quality of produce and soil health. The experiment on effect of integrated organic
management was designed to validate the response of bio-inputs on productivity,
profitability and quality of crops as well as effect on soil health/fertility.
Objectives of Experiment
The specified objectives of this field experiment are:
1. To study the effect of organic nutrients on crop productivity and soil health
2. To study the effect of integrated organic management on weeds dynamics,
insect pest and diseases.
Technical Programme
(i). Location of Field Experiment
The experiment has been laid out during 2006-07 in the experimental fields on Model
Organic farm (MOF), CSK HPKV, Palampur. The land selected for experimental site was
barren and abandoned for cultivation for a long time and, thus was ideal for conducting
trials on organic farming. The gross area for this experiment is about 1296 sq. metres
(ii). Indicator crops: a) Cymbopogon citrates (Lemon grass)
b) Tagetes minuta (Wild marigold)
c) Aloe vera (Aloe vera)
(iii).Gross plot size: 12 sq metres (4 X3 m)
(iv). Experimental Design: Randomised block design (RBD)
(v). Treatments
No. of treatments : 12
No of replications : 3
63
(vi). Dates of planting
a) Lemon grass & Aloe vera:
D1: Date of planting according to Panchang Chart (7.07.2006)
D2: Date of planting according to Non Panchang (10.07.2006)
Spacing: 60 X 45 cm
b) Wild marigold:
D1: Date of sowing according to Panchang (17.06.2006)
D2: Date of sowing according to Non Panchang (18.06.2006)
Spacing: 30 X10 cm
(vii). Detail of Treatments
Sr. No. Treatments Details of treatments
1 T
1
Organic manure (FYM @ 20 t/ha + vermicompost @ 15 t/ha) &
Panchang
2 T
2
T
1
+ biopesticide (0.05 %)
3 T
3
T
1
+ Agnihotra ash (@ 33 kg ha
-1
)
4 T
4
T
1
+ Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (0.3%) & Himbio (0.5 %)
5 T
5
T
1
+ Biodynamic 500 (BD 500)
6 T
6
Control + Panchang
7 T
7
Organic manure (FYM @ 20 t/ha + vermicompost @ 15 t/ha) & Non
Panchang
8 T
8
T
7
+ biopesticide (0.05 %)
9 T
9
T
7
+ Agnihotra ash (@ 33 kg ha
-1
)
10 T
10
T
7
+ Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (0.3%) & Himbio (0.5 %)
11 T
11
T
7
+ BD 500
12 T
12
Control + Non Panchang
(viii). Data Recording
During the period under report, observations on the following parameters were recorded:
Detail of Observations Recorded During the Reporting Period
Observations
Lemon
grass
Wild marigold Aloe vera
Plant height
Leaves per plant
Plant spread
-
No. of flowers per plant
- -
Fresh harvestable yield
-
Dry harvestable yield per plant
- -
Oil content
-
: Observation recorded for the trait under consideration
64
Progress and Achievements
During Kharif season of 2006-07, field experiment on lemon grass, wild marigold and aloe
vera was laid out as per approved technical plan given above. Before laying out the field
experiment, the initial status of soil fertility of the experimental plot was examined.
Composite soil samples collected from 0-15 cm depth before start of experiment were run
for chemical analysis (Table 5.1). It is evident from the soil analysis that surface layer of
the experimental site was acidic, medium in organic carbon and available nitrogen, low in
available phosphorus and high in available potassium. The field experiment was
conducted on fields numbered 4,5 (lemon grass); 6 (Aloe vera) and 11, 12, 13 (Wild
marigold) . The soil of the plot exhibits the characteristics of A horizon.
Table 5.1: Bench Mark Soil Fertility Status of Organic Experimental Plots
Soil depth (cm)
Parameters
Surface 0-15 15-30 30-45
Soil pH 5.4 5.3 5.3 5.1
Available N (kg ha
-1
) 330 290 275 255
Available P (kg ha
-1
) 6 2 2 2
Available K (kg ha
-1
) 395 359 449 268
Organic carbon (%) 1.35 0.90 0.75 0.45
Effect of Different Organics on Growth Parameters and yield of Crops
Effect on lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemongrass, is a perennial herb widely cultivated in the tropics and subtropics. The
reported adaptation zone for lemongrass is 18 to 29
0
C with an annual precipitation of 0.7
to 4.1 meters with a soil pH of 5.0 to 5.8. Since the plants rarely flower or set seed,
propagation is by root or plant division. The plants are harvested mechanically or manually
about four times each year with the productive life span between four and eight years.
Lemongrass is used in herbal teas, other non-alcoholic beverages, and in confections. Oil
from lemongrass is widely used for fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics, such as soaps
and creams. Citral, extracted from the oil, is used in flavoring soft drinks, in scenting soaps
and detergents, as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics and as a mask for disagreeable
odors in several industrial products. Citral is also used in the synthesis of ionones used in
perfumes and cosmetics. As a medicinal plant, lemongrass has been considered a
carminative and insect repellent. Lemongrass is generally recognized as safe for human
consumption as plant extract/essential oil results of the experiment with respect to lemon
grass have been depicted in Tables 5.2 to 5.3. Perusal of table 5.2 reveals that effect of
sowing according to
Panchang was significant in increasing the yield over the Non Panchang sowing. It
was found that this effect was more in control with 41.1 per cent increase in yield in
Panchang sowing over the Non Panchang sowing. The increase in yield under other
65
treatments where organics were added in Panchang varied from 3.7 to 7.7 per cent over
the corresponding Non Panchang treatments.
In the present experiment, the crop was harvested after 90 days of planting.
The Table 5.2: Effect of organics on yield attributes and yield of lemon grass at first
cut
Treatments
No. of off
shoots/plant
Plant
height
(cm)
x-axis
(cm)
y-axis
(cm)
Yield
(q ha
-1
)
Oil yield
(ml m
-2
)
T
1
47 68.85 57.82 43.55 46.67 1.43
T
2
48 69.65 53.58 41.74 45.83 1.40
T
3
86 98.59 96.24 95.53 78.33 3.57
T
4
63 76.62 74.60 74.75 67.54 2.30
T
5
75 87.58 86.28 86.00 72.92 2.77
T
6
26 64.74 39.60 37.24 40.00 0.70
T
7
40 67.54 49.28 49.70 43.33 0.90
T
8
38 67.26 48.34 48.57 44.17 0.86
T
9
80 92.41 90.58 90.70 75.67 3.14
T
10
58 72.53 69.23 69.49 65.00 2.26
T
11
68 79.67 80.46 79.67 70.00 2.48
T
12
21 61.01 32.58 32.59 28.33 0.51
CD 5% 3.7 3.62 5.21 4.60 2.52
T
1
: FYM @20t/ha + vermicompost @15t/ha & Panchang; T
2
: T
1
+ biopesticide; T
3
: T
1
+
Agnihotra ash; T
4
: T
1
+ Bt & Himbio; T
5
: T
1
+ BD 500; T
6
: Control + Panchang; T
7
: FYM
@20t/ha + vermicompost @15t/ha & Non Panchang; T
8
: T
7
+ biopesticide; T
9
: T
7
+
Agnihotra ash; T
10
: T
7
+ Bt & Himbio ; T
11
: T
7
+ BD 500; T
12
: Control + Non Panchang
There was a significant increase in the yield attributes viz plant height, number of leaves
and plant spread and ultimately the yield of lemon grass increased with the addition of
organics over the control. Highest biological yield (78.33 q ha
-1
) was obtained in the
treatment T
3
(Organic manure + Agnihotra ash + Panchang sowing) while lowest yield
(28.33 q ha
-1
) was obtained in T
12
(control + Non Panchang sowing). Of all the treatments
where organics were added T
3
(Org. manure + Agnihotra ash + Panchang) was the best
which was closely
followed by T
9
(Org. manure + Agnihotra ash + Non Panchang) treatment. The third best
treatment was T
5
(Biodynamic 500 + Panchang).
66
Table 5.3: Correlation between different parameters, yield and oil content of lemon
grass
Parameter Plant height x-axis y-axis Fresh yield Oil content
No. of
leaves
0.9532* 0.9956* 0.9619* 0.9742* 0.9848*
Plant height - 0.9542* 0.9416* 0.9156* 0.9569*
x-axis - - 0.9459* 0.9853* 0.9889*
y- axis - - - 0.9747* 0.9649*
Fresh yield - - - - 0.9747*
* Significant at 5 % level of probability
Correlation analysis between growth parameters, yield and oil content shows that all the
growth parameters were highly and significantly correlated to yield and oil yield with
coefficient ranging from 0.9156 to 0.9956. Highest correlation coefficient of yield was
established with x- axis followed by y- axis, showing that as plant spread increased, the
yield also increased.
Effect on wild marigold (Tagetes minuta)
Wild marigold is a tall annual herb with pale yellow flowers, having a very strong and sharp
smelling property. This herb has aromatic, antispasmodic, diuretic and purgative and also
has digestive, vermifuge and very strong insecticide properties. The herb is grown with
cultivated crops to deter insects, (specifically eel worms that react well to the thiophenes
contained in the roots of the wild marigold plant) slugs and other pests, as well as weeds.
It can be used to treat gastritis, indigestion and intestinal worms. Externally the herb has a
positive effect on skin infections and is also used on hemorrhoids. A critical study of the
table 5.4 reveals that effect of sowing according to Panchang was significant in increasing
the yield attributes and thus the yield over the Non Panchang sowing. The increase in yield
in Panchang sowing was 30.6 and 25.77 per cent in control and Agnihotra ash,
respectively. In other treatments tit varied from 4.44 to 8.14 per cent. The treatment T
3
(Org. manure + Agnihotra ash + Panchang) was found to be significantly best in
increasing the yield of wild marigold. While, the lowest yield was recorded in T
12
(Control +
Non Panchang).
Among all the treatment where organics were added T
3
(Org. manure +
Agnihotra ash + Panchang) was the best which was closely followed by T
9
(Org. manure
+ Agnihotra ash + Non Panchang) treatment.
67
Table 5.4: Effect of organics on yield attributes and yield of Wild marigold
Treatments Plant
height
(cm)
Primary
branches/pl
ant
Compound
leaves /plant
No of
flowers/pl
ant
Yield
(q ha
-1
)
Oil
yield
(ml/m
2
)
T1 147.35 14.2 11.80 103.1 117.60 2.20
T2 155.73 14.3 13.40 111.7 126.74 3.20
T3 171.95 15.4 16.86 123.4 252.23 5.00
T4 160.16 15.1 14.53 117.7 184.72 4.20
T5 158.00 14.5 13.73 115.1 151.59 3.20
T6 107.55 13.9 10.60 92.5 102.63 1.40
T7 143.18 13.9 10.93 100.7 112.60 2.20
T8 152.42 14.3 12.86 111.6 120.64 3.00
T9 165.38 15.3 15.60 121.7 200.55 4.40
T10 158.03 14.7 14.00 117.2 170.82 4.00
T11 156.15 14.5 13.60 112.1 140.63 3.20
T12 94.21 12.3 7.13 71.5 78.58 1.00
CD (5%) 11.15 NS 2.44 7.35 3.29
T
1
: FYM @20t/ha + vermicompost @15t/ha & Panchang; T
2
: T
1
+ biopesticide; T
3
: T
1
+
Agnihotra ash; T
4
: T
1
+ Bt & Himbio; T
5
: T
1
+ BD 500; T
6
: Control + Panchang; T
7
: FYM
@20t/ha + vermicompost @15t/ha & Non Panchang; T
8
: T
7
+ biopesticide; T
9
: T
7
+
Agnihotra ash; T
10
: T
7
+ Bt & Himbio ; T
11
: T
7
+ BD 500; T
12
: Control + Non Panchang
The third best treatment was T
4
(Bacillus thuringiensis & Himbio + Panchang). These
results clearly indicate the importance of sowing according to Panchang and Agnihotra
ash application increasing produce quality and quantity.
Table 5.5: Correlation table of yield and yield attributes of wild marigold
* Significant at 5% level of probability
All the yield-attributing parameters are highly correlated with each other. The table 5.5
reveals that increase in compound leaves and number of flowers increases the total
biological yield as well as oil produce.
Parameters Primary
branches/pl
ant
Compound
leaves/
plant
No of
flowers/
plant
Total
fresh
yield
(q/ha)
Oil
(ml/m
2
)
Plant height 0.8965* 0.9256* 0.9647* 0.9005* 0.8994*
Primary branches/plant - 0.9751* 0.9641* 0.9479* 0.9144*
Compound leaves/plant - - 0.9743* 0.9845* 0.9590*
No of flowers/plant - - - 0.9434* 0.9269*
Total fresh yield (q/ha) - - - - 0.9833*
68
Effect on Aloe vera (Aloe vera)
Aloe vera is a plant that looks like a cactus, but is actually a member of the lily family. The
particular kind of Aloe vera is used for natural remedies and its leaves contain a gel that is
rich in therapeutic properties. Aloe appears to inhibit infection and promote healing of
minor burns and wounds, and possibly of skin affected by diseases such as psoriasis.
Dried aloe latex is used, with caution, as a drastic cathartic. Aloe vera is a perennial crop.
The first cut is taken one year after planting. The plant is harvested for its fresh leaves.
Table 5.6: Effect of organics on yield attributes of Aloe vera after 90 days of planting
Treatments No. of leaves Plant height
(cm)
x-axis
(cm)
y-axis
(cm)
T
1
14 31.65 23.74 28.65
T
2
9 18.71 14.71 17.55
T
3
14 32.53 25.62 29.70
T
4
11 25.57 17.65 22.44
T
5
9 19.57 12.35 18.39
T
6
7 13.42 10.53 10.70
T
7
12 27.89 19.38 24.55
T
8
8 15.52 11.71 12.31
T
9
12 27.66 22.59 25.76
T
10
10 22.55 15.39 12.31
T
11
8 14.82 12.47 25.76
T
12
6 10.40 6.80 20.64
CD 5% 3.3 3.39 3.59 3.54
T
1
: FYM @20t/ha + vermicompost @15t/ha & Panchang; T
2
: T
1
+ biopesticide; T
3
: T
1
+
Agnihotra ash; T
4
: T
1
+ Bt & Himbio; T
5
: T
1
+ BD 500; T
6
: Control + Panchang; T
7
: FYM
@20t/ha + vermicompost @15t/ha & Non Panchang; T
8
: T
7
+ biopesticide; T
9
: T
7
+
Agnihotra ash; T
10
: T
7
+ Bt & Himbio; T
11
: T
7
+ BD500; T
12
: Control + Non Panchang
The crop is still in the growing stage. The data presented in Table 5.6 pertains to 90 days
after planting. The data reveals that the treatment T
3
(Org. manure + Agnihotra ash +
Panchang) was superiour at this stage to other treatments.
As for the plant height and plant spread is concerned, it was found that there was a
significant increase in Panchang sowing over the Non Panchang sowing in control (T
6
&T
12
) while in the treatments where organics were added the Panchang and the
corresponding Non Panchang treatments were at par with each other. Highest plant height
(32.53 cm) and plant spread (x= 25.62; y= 29.70) was obtained in treatment T
3
(Org.
manure + Agnihotra ash + Panchang) and the lowest plant height (10.40 cm) and plant
spread (x= 6.8 cm; y= 7.2 cm) were obtained in T
12
(control + Non Panchang) treatment.
69
The Table 5.2: Effect of organics on yield attributes and yield of lemon grass at first
cut
Treatments
No. of off
shoots/plant
Plant
height
(cm)
x-axis
(cm)
y-axis
(cm)
Yield
(q ha
-1
)
Oil yield
(ml m
-2
)
T
1
47 68.85 57.82 43.55 46.67 1.43
T
2
48 69.65 53.58 41.74 45.83 1.40
T
3
86 98.59 96.24 95.53 78.33 3.57
T
4
63 76.62 74.60 74.75 67.54 2.30
T
5
75 87.58 86.28 86.00 72.92 2.77
T
6
26 64.74 39.60 37.24 40.00 0.70
T
7
40 67.54 49.28 49.70 43.33 0.90
T
8
38 67.26 48.34 48.57 44.17 0.86
T
9
80 92.41 90.58 90.70 75.67 3.14
T
10
58 72.53 69.23 69.49 65.00 2.26
T
11
68 79.67 80.46 79.67 70.00 2.48
T
12
21 61.01 32.58 32.59 28.33 0.51
CD 5% 3.7 3.62 5.21 4.60 2.52