Comparative effects of natural farming concoctions on seed germination and early seedling growth of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract:

A pot study trial was carried out at the laboratory facility at Gujarat Natural Farming Science University, Halol. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Jeevamrit and clusterbean powder-based formulation on seedling germination of Arachis hypogea (L.). Pot study setup was prepared and groundnuts were sown in three different treatment pots namely Natural soil, Jeevamrit+natural soil and Clusterbean Raw Powder Based Formulation. Parameters recorded were Germination percentage, Seed Vigour Index, Root length and Shoot length. Among the treatments, Jeevamrit + Natural Soil recorded the highest germination percentage (80%), seed vigour index (2712), root length (22 cm) and shoot length (17 cm). The Natural Soil treatment recorded intermediate values with 72% germination, seed vigour index of 2160, root length of 16 cm and shoot length of 15 cm. The lowest performance was observed in the Clusterbean Raw Powder Based Formulation, which recorded 60% germination, seed vigour index of 1364, root length of 6 cm and shoot length of 12 cm. These findings suggest that Jeevamrit application created more favourable conditions for early seed germination and seedling establishment than the other treatments. The consistent superiority of Jeevamrit across all measured parameters indicates its positive influence on early crop growth and development. For better growth performance of groundnut it is recommended to apply Jeevamrit at every irrigation.