Green manuring results in increased yields of the crops in SEVAI-PVF projects of organic farming:

Green manure cultivated in Marutham fields of Sirugamani

SEVAI-PVF: Marutham project uses Green undecomposed plants as manure in Amoor, Sirugamani areas. Green manuring is growing in the field plants belong to leguminous family and incorporating into the soil after sufficient growth. The practice of ploughing or turning into soil under-composed green plant tissue for the purpose of improving physical condition as well as fertility of the soil is referred to as green manuring and the manure obtained by this method is known as green manure. The plants, grown for green manure are known as green manure crops. Since organic production systems are knowledge based, new entrants and transitional producers become familiar with sound and sustainable agricultural practices. Transitional producers are prepared to read appropriate information, conduct their own trials and participate in formal and informal training events in SEVAI. Switching from conventional to organic farming is more than substituting synthetic materials to organic allowed materials. Organic farming is a holistic system that relies on sound practices. Growth and nitrogen fixation is higher with green manure. The advantages of the green manure are: Improves soil structure, Increases water holding capacity and Decreases soil loss by erosion, Steps to a Successful Organic Transition. Green manure supplies organic matter to the soil.

The organic residues from green manure also help to provide the stability of soil structure needed for optimum plant growth. Humus formed from green manure increases the absorptive capacity of soil, promotes aeration, drainage and granulation, which help the plant growth. Green manuring improves the structure of the soil. Organic matter stimulates the activity of soil micro-organisms. ) Addition of Nitrogen: The green manuring crop supplies additional nitrogen to organic matter, if it is a legume crop, which has the ability to fix nitrogen from the air with the help of its root nodule bacteria (e.g. Rhizobium). The legume crop adds nitrogen for the succeeding crop. The legumes crop leave the soil in better physical condition and richer in nitrogen content. They return the plant nutrients of deeper layers to the upper top soil. Nutrient and Soil Conservation: Green manuring crops act as cover crop. They protect the soil from erosion and nutrient loss by taking up soluble nutrients which might otherwise have been lost in drainage water or due to erosion. Green manuring crops make available phosphorous and other nutrients for the succeeding crops. Green manure has a marked residual effect also. Green manuring Increases the biochemical activity: The organic matter added to soil by way of green manure acts as food for micro-organisms. The organic matter stimulates the activity of micro-organisms and they stimulate the biochemical changes accordingly. Green manuring increases crop yield: Green manure increases the organic matter and nitrogen content of the soil. It is proved that green manuring results in increased yields of the crops.-Govin