Utilizing Organic Agri-Waste for Enhanced Soil Physicochemical and Biological Properties in Oilseeds Cropping System

This study aimed to pursue more sustainable agriculture in a new soybean-linseed cropping system. We assessed the effects of organic nutrients by mixing natural inputs (vermicompost, compost, neem cake, or farmyard manure) with foliar spray of cow urine, and vermiwash can become an integrative measure to heightened crop yield along with sustainability. The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Block design, which was replicated thrice. The study revealed that applying 2/3 of RDN through farmyard manure (FYM) or neem cake (NK), along with three foliar sprays of vermiwash and cow urine, achieved comparable productivity to the 100% RDN through vermicompost, neem cake, or farmyard manure only. Among the organic nutrient managements, both foliar and 2/3 soil applications recorded highest number of soil microbial population, soil nutrients (N, P, K), Grain, and stover yields. The soybean-linseed system, subjected to the integration of organic nutrients and foliar application strategies, exhibited elevated protein and oil content. Compared to absolute control treatment, soybean and linseed yield significantly increased by 167% and 101% in response to T ₇ (T4 + Foliar spray of Vermiwash 10% at branching, flowering, and pod/capsule development stage), respectively. These findings highlight the potential of 2/3 of RDN (Recommended Dose of Nitrogen) through farmyard manure (FYM) or neem cake (NK), along with three foliar sprays of vermiwash and cow urine (T ₇ & T ₁₀ ) application in enhancing both productivity, soil health, and nutritional quality, while reducing dependence on conventional chemical fertilizers.