Green Manure

A single green manure crop is raised in a row-intercropping system together with sugarcane/pulses/ vegetable setts. Intercropping is the cultivation of two or more crops in the same field at the same time. Here the two different crops are arranged in a row (Figures 1 and 2).

1. Planting steps

Planting these two green manure crops by row-intercropping contains several steps.

Rows of sugarcane ratoon crop along with two rows of green manure crop (Dhaincha)

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Materials Required

  • Water

  • Cow dung

  • Thatch Roof

  • Soil or Sand

  • Gunny bags

  • 175 ppm of Iron.

  • Earthworms

  • Weed biomass

  • A large bin (plastic or cemented tank)

  • Dry straw and leaves collected from paddy fields

  • Biodegradable wastes collected from fields and kitchen

Procedure

  • To prepare compost, either a plastic or a concrete tank can be used. The size of the tank depends upon the availability of raw materials.

  • Collect the biomass and place it under the sun for about 8-12 days. Now chop it to the required size using the cutter.

  • Prepare a cow dung slurry and sprinkle it on the heap for quick decomposition.

  • Add a layer (2 – 3 inch) of soil or bhusa at the bottom of the tank/platform.

  • Now prepare fine bedding by adding partially decomposed(15 days) cow dung, dried leaves and other biodegradable wastes collected from fields and kitchen. Distribute them evenly on the layer.

  • Continue adding both the chopped bio-waste and partially decomposed cow dung layer-wise into the tank up to a depth of 0.5-1.5 ft.

  • After adding all the bio-wastes, release the earthworm species over the mixture and cover the compost mixture with dry straw,rice bhusa, or gunny bags.

  • Sprinkle water on a regular basis to maintain the moisture content of the compost.

  • Cover the tank with a thatch roof to prevent the entry of ants, lizards, mouse, snakes, etc. and protect the compost from rainwater and direct sunshine.

  • Have a frequent check to avoid the compost from overheating. Maintain proper moisture and temperature.

Result

After the 24th day, around 4000 to 5000 new worms are introduced and the entire raw material is turned into the vermicomposting process.