Mixed green manure cropping is emerging as a powerful tool to enhance soil health and boost farm productivity. Unlike single-species green manure, this practice involves cultivating a combination of green manure crops that work in synergy to enrich the soil with a wider range of nutrients, improve its structure, suppress weeds, and foster biodiversity.
Green manure crops are grown specifically to be incorporated into the soil, enriching it with organic matter and essential nutrients. Mixed green manure crops take this a step further by combining species with complementary characteristics. For instance, some crops in the mix may be efficient nitrogen fixers, while others may improve soil aeration or retain moisture.
Experts highlight that crops such as Dhaincha and Sunhamp, which develop deep taproots, are especially useful for breaking up compacted soil layers. When grown alongside fibrous-rooted species like cowpea or sorghum, the mix enhances soil aggregation and water retention, creating a healthier and more fertile soil profile.
Moreover, mixed cropping aids in weed control. Certain species release natural compounds that inhibit weed germination, while others grow densely enough to physically suppress weed growth. This natural method of weed management reduces the need for chemical herbicides, making farming more eco-friendly.
Another key advantage of mixed green manure cropping is its contribution to biodiversity. A diverse crop mix supports a range of beneficial insects, pollinators, and soil organisms. This, in turn, strengthens the farm ecosystem and enhances its resilience to pests and diseases.
To support farmers in adopting this practice, the National Seeds Corporation (NSC) is offering two variants of mixed green manure kits. Kit-1 includes eight crop varieties—Dhaincha, Sunhamp, maize, sorghum, guar, cowpea, okra, and marigold—amounting to a total of 5.050 kilograms. Kit-2 contains the same crops excluding marigold, with a total weight of 5.000 kilograms. Each kit is designed to cover half an acre of land.
Agricultural experts advise farmers to till the mixed green manure crops back into the soil approximately 30 to 35 days after sowing, or at least two weeks before the sowing of the next or main crop. This ensures optimal nutrient release and soil enrichment.