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NOVCOM COMPOST
A New Definition for Effective Soil
Management
Compiled by
INHANA ORGANIC
RESEARCH FOUNDATION
In Harmony with Nature
Relevance
INTRODUCTION
In today's agriculture there has been a growing
conviction that organic soil amendment is the best
option available to restore and enhance soil
potential in order to restrict the continuous decline
of productivity. Organic soil amendment/
compost also play the key role both during
conversion and for practicing organic
At the same time due to non- uniformity in the quality components, crop performance even after
application of right dose of compost (calculated on crop nutritional requirement) very often do
not match the desired results. In this scenario to ensure speedy restoration of soil potential
and sustained crop production without triggering the cost components or entailing soil
nutrient mining; application of good quality, stable and mature compost remains the
only option. To unclog all the above bottlenecks for ultimate achievement of the desired
objectives a composting method was required which could enable the production of good
quality, stable and mature compost using any type of biodegradable materials, within the
shortest time period and on a low cost basis. Novcom composting method of Inhana
Biosciences has been demonstrating its potential to fulfill all the above criteria for the past one
decades both in tea gardens of Assam and Darjeeling as well as in West Bengal Agriculture.
Relevance of Composting
We now find that, on one hand both cultivable land &
cultivated land are diminishing along with productivity while
on the other the population is steadily increasing. 'Modern
Scientific Agriculture' which is widely practiced today
overlooked the basic necessity of good soil for agriculture.
Proponents of chemical agriculture failed to recognize
soil as a Living Medium and therefore could not
understand the complex inter - relationship between
various soil organisms and how these affected plant
growth. According to them plants require only three main
elements for growth i.e. NPK.
The soil is home for thousands of organisms both micro
& macro. They inhabit different layers in the soil and
have specific roles to play. Similarly soil is constituted of
different horizons and the topmost horizon or surface soil
where microbial activity accomplishes the humification
process, acts as organic layer of different horizons, the more
organic in composition are closer to the surface while the
more mineral lie deeper down, closer to mother rock.
Relevance
THE
RIGHT APPROACH
Indiscriminate and continuous use of chemical fertilizer which are nothing but lent salts with
high concentration kills soil life or microorganisms. Eventually, in organic horizon which lies at
the surface gets destroyed, so the very humification process. At the same time, if the role of
microorganisms to make inert matter a part of living world is understood, their action on the
soil elements necessary for plants into assimilable form through oxidation and chelation, can
be well recognized. When there is dissipation of these life forms, the farmer has to manage the
At the same time there has been a sharp drop in the life forms
surface horizon separately, outside the plot, for the formation of humus directed by the
amendment
quite
naturally
The nourishment of soil through humus is no longer a priority in the agricultural world. The
rational nourishing of plants became the primary subject of interest. Yet everything that leaves
the soil should come back to it, as each organism in the soil has a definite role to play from
humification to aeration, structure formation to entire soil function. While elimination even one
of them reduces the efficiency of the system, their regeneration makes the soil most
functional. This can be best accomplished through the process of fermentation of organic
2)
Huge microbial potential, the primary and crucial drivers for all soil function.
No Infrastructure Required
Novcom composting method does not require any structure construction; the composting
heap is erected layer wise following a simple, easy to adopt process, on a flat land that is free
The high temperature (observed up to 750C) generated in an intense,
rapid as well as desired manner during the Novcom composting
SAFETY
process ensures the total destruction of weed seeds and all harmful
pathogens. At the same time, performance of various stages of
biodegradation
CONVENIENCE
SPEED
pathogens as well as weed seeds that may be present in the raw material.
especially for organic crop production. But under Novcom composting method compost is
ready within a period of just 21 days, and may vary from 21 to 30 days depending upon the
type of raw material used.
EFFECTIVITY
ECONOMY
deployment and does not require any specific raw material. The
technology cost is also very low. Under this method 1 ton of compost
can be produced at a low rate of Rs. 1.00 to 1.50/5
Uniqueness of Novcom
Designed C:N Ratio as per Requirement
Several researches have been initiated worldwide to
achieve the ideal C:N ratio of compost, which is
absolutely important for its effective utilization in soil.
But in the practical scenario ideal C:N ratio varies with
crop type as well as the agro-ecological situation.
and is not inoculated artificially, hence they are more proactive and possesses better potential
Another arena where Novcom compost scores over most other available manure is its
stability and maturity. These qualities ensure that it is safe for soil application without any
deleterious effect on the plants alike due to exposure to toxic ammoniacal by-products that
are generally liberated from immature compost. Novcom compost is also free from any
phytotoxic effect, which is a very important quality that assures its safe application
Novcom compost strives for energization of the fatigued soil system. Due to the presence of
favourable environment in soil for natural restoration, prolific activity and rapid regeneration of
the native soil microbes. The microbial population being the primary drivers of all soil-
ecological process strives to restore the original soil character as well equilibrium of the soil-
plant-nutrient dynamics.
NOVCOM
SOLUTION
bascilicum.
environment for rapid, intense and prolific Novcom solution is made in customized
generation of microbes during composting, manner considering the raw materials for
prepares the field for fungi. After a period of 12-14 days from
initiation, the temperature falls. At this stage manure worms chew
Novcom method only follows the natural steps of biodegradation and just intensify
each step and their succession. Unlike the facilitation of any particular step or
fungi takes place. This if followed by the last and the final segment
where cellulose and lignin components are acted upon by the fungal
organic material being followed in all other methods. Only Novcom solution is
75
y = -0.0005x
+ 34.321
y = -0.0005x 4 ++0.0385x
0.0385x 3 --1.0952x
1.0952x 2 ++10.77x
10.77x
+ 34.321
R 2 = 0.5472
R = 0.5472
65
60
Temperature ( 0C)----- >
70
55
50
45
40
35
30
8
10 12
Temp. after
turning on 7th day.
Temp. before
turning on 7th day.
7
11
13
15
16
18
21
Temp. after turning
th
on 14 day.
17
19
23
25
27
29
31
33
30
21
Personnel from CFC-TBI Observed Large Scale Novcom Composting Activity at Maud T.E. under
FAO-CFC-TBI Project for Developing Pathway for Sustainable Organic Tea Cultivation.
10
NOVCOM COPOST
Triggers disease
Enhanced Resistance
SOIL
Life Forms
Energy
Environment
(Microbes naturally
microbes in terms of
amendment)
ENERGIZATION
Restoration of natural
dynamics
Enables restoration,
generation &
prolific activities of
soil microbes in the
desired succession
Huge population of
plant growth.
naturally generated
Improves soil
charecter viz.
b u l k d e n s i t y,
porosity, water
holding capacity
No favourable breeding
ground for pest
Does not
support the
proliferation
of stubborn
weeds.
Continuous
supply of
nutrients
d u r i n g
specific plant
growth stages
Nutrients in
Organic Form
microbes in different
11
Life Forms
Energy
Environment
(Microbes naturally
microbes in terms of
amendment)
phytotoxic effect)
12
Method of Preparation
Day 1 ...........
For the production of 1-1.25 ton NOVCOM compost,
the compost pit at initiation should have the
Raw Material
Any kind of organic waste (i.e. green matter, leaf litter, vegetables waste and cow dung, etc).
Ideally the proportion of cow dung and green matter should be at a minimum ratio
20:80, but in case of non-availability, the quantity of cow dung can be further reduced but it
should not be at zero level. Similarly in case of more availability the quantity of cow dung can
be increased. In case of many other organic waste cow dung may not be required. In
NOVCOM Method Cow dung is recommended not for its nutrient status but as the
receptor of Solar Energy.
Day 7
Upturn & churn the compost heap
properly and then sprinkle NOVCOM
Dosage :
1st application : 100 ml of NOVCOM Solution /20 litre of water / ton of waste.
Total 250 ml of NOVCOM Solution is required for 1 ton of raw material. The water
requirement may vary according to the moisture content of the raw material & weather
Day 1
Day 15
Repeat the process as
on Day 7 and
and repeat the process till the total height reaches to about
maintained at 5 to 6 ft.
Day 21
The process of composting is over. A highly charged ideal exogenous inoculation for soil is
ready to use. It will rejuvenate your soil without any time lag.
14
composting activity in
Maud T.E., the oldest
Parameters
Range Value
estate in
Assam.
pH
6.09 - 8.09
Org. C(%)
19.20 - 9.14
Total N (%)
1.59 - 2.31
Total P2O5
0.26 - 1.10
utilizing common
Total K2O
0.52 - 1.47
garden weeds.
C : N Ratio
12 : 1 - 17 : 1
CMI Index
0.76 - 3.40
Microbial Count
Phytotoxicity
0.87 - 1.31
Composting Site :
compost
Novcom composting
Parameters
2. Raw Materials :
These
m e t h o d
Range Value
w a s
evaluated at the
pH
8.10 - 8.71
Org. C(%)
25.2 - 29.30
Total N (%)
1.64 - 2.10
Total P2O5
0.49 - 1.12
Composting Site :
Total K2O
1.27 - 2.68
Viswavidyalaya, West
C : N Ratio
13 : 1 - 16 : 1
Bengal, utilizing
CMI Index
1.62 - 2.37
Microbial Count
Phytotoxicity
0.83 - 1.43
Parameters
3. Raw Materials :
Agriculture Research
Farm of Bidhan
Chandra
Krishi
Range Value
S t u d e n t s
o f
pH
7.09 - 7.76
Ramakrishna Mission
Org. C(%)
18.88 - 29.90
Vivekananda
Composting Site :
Total N (%)
1.73 - 2.13
U n i v e r s i t y ,
Total P2O5
0.68 - 1.06
Total K2O
0.98 - 2.04
C : N Ratio
11 : 1 - 14 : 1
CMI Index
1.38 - 2.86
Novcom composting
Microbial Count
Phytotoxicity
0.91 - 1.08
hyacinth.
Water Hyacinth
15
Narendrapur, West
Bengal experiencing
16
4. Raw Materials :
Range Value
6.81 - 7.83
Org. C(%)
14.03 - 21.64
Composting site :
Total N (%)
1.54 - 1.96
product. Novcom CD
Total P2O5
0.35 - 0.69
Total K2O
0.61 - 1.03
C : N Ratio
7 : 1 - 12 : 1
CMI Index
2.89 - 5.23
Microbial Count
Phytotoxicity
0.83 - 0.94
Cow dung
5. Raw Materials :
Municipality Solid Waste.
Composting Site :
Garulia and North Barrackpore Municipalities,
North 24 Parganas, West Bengal .
Range Value
pH
7.41 - 8.16
Org. C(%)
17.84 - 22.04
Total N (%)
1.16 - 1.54
Total P2O5
0.48 - 1.06
Total K2O
0.63 - 0.76
C : N Ratio
13 : 1 - 16 : 1
CMI Index
3.08 - 3.38
Microbial Count
Phytotoxicity
0.80 - 0.95
Parameters
Range Value
6. Raw Materials :
pH
6.64 - 8.23
Org. C(%)
22.9 - 34.92
Total N (%)
1.51 - 2.46
Total P2O5
0.95 - 3.11
Total K2O
1.44 - 2.94
C : N Ratio
11 : 1 - 16 : 1
CMI Index
1.08 - 2.56
Microbial Count
(5 - 27) x 1014
Phytotoxicity
0.78 - 0.88
Poultry Litter
Composting Site :
17
18
7. Raw Materials :
Press mud.
Composting Site :
Balrampur Chini Mills (Uttar Pradesh), Nagri Farm
T. E., Tukdah T. E. (Darjeeling), Maud T.E.
(Assam).
Range Value
pH
7.01 - 8.07
Org. C(%)
35.06 - 42.40
Total N (%)
2.52 - 3.12
Total P2O5
3.18 - 4.36
Total K2O
0.68 - 1.47
C : N Ratio
12 : 1 - 16 : 1
CMI Index
0.65 - 1.05
Microbial Count
Novcom compost
Phytotoxicity
0.81 - 0.89
Preparation
of
Balarampur Chini
Complex (to Biodegrade) Raw Material
Parameters
8. Raw Materials :
Range Value
pH
6.65 - 6.89
Org. C(%)
28.87 - 30.21
Composting Site :
Total N (%)
1.43 - 1.64
Total P2O5
0.38 - 0.65
Total K2O
0.53 - 0.78
C : N Ratio
18 : 1 - 21 : 1
CMI Index
1.42 - 1.61
Microbial Count
Phytotoxicity
0.84 - 0.98
Coir Pith.
Parameters
9. Raw Materials :
Range Value
Pruning Litter
pH
6.54 - 6.79
Org. C(%)
38.30 - 46.39
Composting Site :
Total N (%)
1.51 - 2.14
Total P2O5
0.64 - 0.89
Total K2O
0.83 - 1.14
C : N Ratio
22 : 1 - 26 : 1
CMI Index
0.63 - 1.16
Microbial Count
Phytotoxicity
0.76 - 0.89
19
20
Range Value
pH
5.70 - 5.81
Org. C(%)
22.20 - 38.46
Composting Site :
Total N (%)
1.54 - 2.18
Total P2O5
0.35 - 0.78
Total K2O
1.11 - 1.39
C : N Ratio
10 : 1 - 17 : 1
CMI Index
1.70 - 3.06
Microbial Count
(7 - 31) x 1014
Phytotoxicity
0.79 - 0.96
Parameters
Range Value
pH
5.93 - 6.14
Org. C(%)
21.63 - 25.07
Composting Site :
Total N (%)
1.28 - 1.32
Total P2O5
0.41 - 0.57
Total K2O
0.46 - 0.61
C : N Ratio
17 : 1 - 19 : 1
CMI Index
1.79 - 2.82
Microbial Count
Phytotoxicity
0.87 - 1.04
using
Novom
composting
method
reflecting
the
wide
acceptability of raw
materials for this method.
21
22
Relevance of Analysis
Fertility Parameters
Protocol. In house laboratory of Inhana Biosciences regualy tested Novcom compost samples
for physical, chemical, microbial, stability and maturity parameters as per the guidelines of US
4. C : N Ratio
Physical Parameters
Relevance of Analysis
nutrient status of compost in the presence of an ideal microbial population shall ensure nutrition
1. Moisture (%)
in the right quantity and order during the different plant growth stages. Assessment of C/ N ratio
2. Bulk density(g/cc)
of compost is most critical because an ideal ratio in mature compost ensures that on soil
3. Porosity (%)
application, decomposition of the product would not require soil N but release mineral nitrogen
Microbial Potential
and porosity of the compost are important determinants of post application effectivity of
specific soil amendment. As for example addition of compost having ideal water holding
Chemical Parameters
1. pHwater (1 : 5)
2. EC (dS/m)
Readily Available
Nutrient Potentials
products.
6. CEC (cmol(p+)kg-1)
on soil application.
Most of the inorganic-N occurs as plant available NH4+.
Water soluble inorganic-N status gives a picture of ready
support of N for plants on compost application.
7. Compost Mineralization Index and also includes soil borne silicates . Acid soluble fraction
of ash henceforth indicates the mineral content.
8. Sorption Capacity Index
4. Organic C : N ratio
The organic matter content of compost is useful in estimating its age and also the compost
5. Humification ratio
application rate for sustainable agricultural production. The CEC status of compost is useful in
assessing the relative presence of organic colloids, which serve as exchange sites for the
mineralized nutrients.
Compost mineralization index indicates the degree of mineralization occurring during
composting the potentials of compost in terms of ready nutrient availability for plants. Sorption
capacity index indicates status of humification of compost, reflective of the presence of
different functional groups. a quality of utmost importance for enabling soil development.
23
24
4. Nitrification Index
5.Seedling Emergence (%)
6. Root Elongation (%)
9. Germination Index
Officials
Novcom
Large Scale Novcom Composting Programme at Maud T.E., Assam under FAO project
'Development, Production and Trade of Organic Tea funded by FAO-CFC-TBI.
But the most important criteria achieved
25
26
Taking Wheat Flour Mill as a raw material for composting itself is a hard choice due to its
extremely wide C:N ratio (< 100: 1)and very low N percent.However under Novcom composting
method good quality compost could be produced even from this raw material within a period of
identify effective and economical compost/ composting method for the marginal farmer
dominated agricultural fraternity of West Bengal. The University has constantly been involved in
evaluating any new composing technique or organic soil input and in this respect the merits of
maturity
in
turn
Novcom compost heaps were erected at BCKV Farm, Mohanpur, Nadia and also at the
farmers' field (in Molebona village, Bankura); during August to September, 2008; for evaluating
Novcom composting process and quality of Novcom compost.
Novcom compost heap prepared from green matter at Bidhan Chandra Krishi
Viswavidyalay, Mohanpur, West Bengal.
revealed increase in the N,P,K percent and microbial status, its low C:N ratio indicated its faster
utilization capacity, which could serve as good input for application in short duration crops.
27
Belseri Tea Estates using common garden weeds and cow dung in 80:20 ratio. This was
Novcom composting programme had been adopted in the Chamong Group gardens viz.
probably the first time in the history of organic tea cultivation in India, when such large scale on-
Tukdah, Lingia etc. as early as 2006-2007, albeit on a small scale. However, after association of
farm composting programme was taken up in organic tea estates within a short period of 3 to 4
Inhana Biosciences in 2008 as Technology Provider for Organic Tea cultivation in their different
months. During the initial phase quality standardization was an issue, it was quickly mitigated
organic gardens, the composting programme was taken up on a more serious note in
Chamong, Nagri Farm, Tumsong, Soom and Shree Dwarika Tea Estates, along with qualitative
monitoring of the end product (Novcom compost) to ensure effective organic soil management
in these gardens. But Two types of raw material is being used i) common garden weeds (viz.
etc.) +cow dung in 80/20 ratio, ii) fresh cow dung only.
Novcom compost heap prepared from different garden weeds and guatemala at
Nagri Farm Tea Estate, Darjeeling.
shifted
central
to
the
Novcom cow dung compost being prepared at c.f.u.) besides being stable, mature and
free from any phytotoxic effect.
Chamong Tea Estate, Darjeeling.
30
only few entrepreneurs have entered the field in about 11.5% of the total cities in India.
Novcom Compost using coir pith as raw material at Vaniampara Rubber Estate, Kerala.
plantation of about 140 ha area. Soil management in the plantation was done through the
Landfill site at Garulia Municipality where the project initiated in the year 2010
Garulia Municipality of 24 Parganas (North) district of
West Bengal, was facing similar bottlenecks towards
effective management of its waste load and in this
background, encountered 'Novcom Composting
Method' of Inhana Biosciences, which provided an
effective solution for the unattended problem.
application of vermi compost + coir pith compost + biofertilizers. However, it was providing little
benefits besides hugely raising the cost components. In this background they contacted Inhana
Biosciences for an alternative solution. Considering the nature of raw material and after
necessary analysis, Inhana Biosciences provided
customized Novcom solution and also suggested
minor modification in the Novcom composting
method for effective treatment of coir pith. Ready
Novcom coir pith compost was produced withina
Conversion of coir pith in quality compost through Novcom composting method within
32
Compost using Water hyacinth at State Hort. Res. & Dev. Station,
& Development Farm (Chinsurah, Hooghly) for assessment of its potential towards production
of agricultural farm usable good quality compost using water hyacinth (mixed with cow dung in
80/20 ratio), a very common weed in W.B. and different agri-farm waste viz. grass, weeds
banana plants etc. as raw material.
The study was taken up to judge the effectivity of the Novcom post application in acid tea soils of
Assam. Three tea gardens viz. West Jalinga T. E. (applying Novcom compost on regular basis for
last seven to eight years), Maud T. E. (applying Novcom compost for last one year only) and
Sankar T. E. (following conventional chemical cultivation practice) were selected for the study.
Variation in Soil Fertility After Application of Compost in West Jalinga Tea Estate.
640
1.35
1.35
1.30
1.30
1.27
1.25
1.20
1.39
620
600
604
590
580
560
Pre- compost
1
application
608
Post- compost
2
application
Pre- compost
1
application
200
70
633
65
61
60
55
55
50
45
40
Post- compost
2
application
57
54
Pre- compost
1
application
Horticultural Research & Dev. Station (Krishnagar) as well as Chinsurah Horticultural Research
In 2007-2008, the State Horticulture Dept. took up Novcom composting programme at State
Krishnagar & Chinsurah Horti. Res. & Dev. Farm, Chinsurah, W.B
175
125
100
90
87
75
50
2
Post- compost
application
154
149
150
Pre- compost
1
application
Post- compost
2
application
12.10
9.90
12.05
12.05
12.00
11.96
11.95
11.90
11.91
11.87
11.85
11.80
11.75
Pre- compost
application
1
9.79
9.80
9.70
9.61
9.60
9.54
9.50
9.42
9.40
9.30
9.20
Pre- compost
application
1
Post- compost
application
2
Post- compost
application
2
8.00
9.45
9.40
9.40
9.35
9.30
9.28
9.26 9.26
9.25
9.20
9.15
6.95
7.00
6.00
6.02
5.60
5.78
5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
Pre- compost
application
1
Pre- compost
application
1
Post- compost
application
2
Post- compost
application
Experimental Plot
Control Plot
Ready Novcom Compost Heaps prepared from water hyacinth at Chinsurah Horti.
Variations in soil fertility parameters viz organic carbon, available- N, available- P2O5, available-
K2O and available- SO4 were studied before application of Novcom compost and 6 months post
after erection. The volume reduction curve over a period of 21 days (after heap erection) also
application. Study of pre and post compost applied soil samples from all the three tea gardens
indicated steady biodegradation, which started ceasing towards the end of third week. The
revealed an increasing trend of soil fertility after compost application, which once again gave an
physical appearance of the compost in terms of dark colour and earthy smell indicated the
indirect indication regarding the effectivity of compost towards soil development. But the
completion of biodegradation within a period of 21 days and the end product quality was further
significant changes noticed is the increase availability of soil phosphate in acid tea soil, where
33
34
Total bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and phosphate solubilizing bacteria count were done for all
the soil samples, prior application of compost and 6 month post application. Microbial population
in all the soils increases post compost application, however higher soil microbial population in
West Jalinga tea estate as compared to the other two tea estates might be due to the different
cultivation practice adopted in those individual gardens, which were also reflected in the values
Organic soil amendment plays the key role both during conversion and for practicing organic
agriculture. However, major limiting factor towards large scale organic agriculture is their huge
quantitative requirement on the basis of N, P, K replacement theory. The present study at Maud
0.95
0.90
0.87
0.87
0.85
0.85
0.80
0.75
440
424
420
403 404
405
400
380
Pre- compost Post- compost
1
2
application
application
60
55
50
40
34
32
30
20
Pre- compost
Post- compost
1
2
application
application
57
400
Available - K2O (kgha -1) ----- >
0.98
Available - N (kgha -1) ----- >
1.00
391
375
Fig. 1 : Quality Parameters of Different Organic Soil Inputs Produced at Maud Tea Estate
350
325
321
275
250
Sl.
No
225
Pre- compost
Post- compost
1
2
application
application
6.11
6.79
6.80
10)-----
>
6.20
6.70
6.61
6.60
6.54
6.50
6.40
6.30
6.00
5.80
5.60
5.51
5.43
5.40
5.29
5.20
5.00
4.80
Pre- compost
application
1
6.00
5.80
5.60
5.40
5.20
5.15
5.08
4.95
5.00
4.80
4.60
4.40
Post- compost
application
2
5.40
5.83
6.86
Variation in Soil Microbial Status after Application of Compost in Maud Tea Estate
6.90
Pre - compost
application
1
5.32
Vermi
Compost
Indigenous
Compost
Biodynamic
Compost
Novcom
Compost
Sl.
No
Parameter
Vermi
Compost
Indigenous
Compost
Biodynamic
Compost
Novcom
Compost
Physical Properties
1.
Moisture percent(%)
58.52
45.59
56.87
59.91
18.
0.25
0.30
0.12
0.38
2.
0.71
0.95
0.62
0.45
19.
0.06
0.04
0.02
0.12
0.05
0.05
0.02
0.07
3.
Porosity (%)
55.21
52.72
47.18
69.37
20.
4.
WHC (%)
162.6
163.9
177.3
217.8
21.
4.6
6.3
5.8
5.4
22.
Humification ratio
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.004
Physicochemical Properties
5.20
4.96
5.00
4.85
4.80
4.60
4.60
4.40
Pre - compost
application
1
Post - compost
application
5.
pHwater (1 : 5)
6.45
6.67
7.22
7.39
6.
EC (1 :5) dSm-1
1.67
1.36
1.66
2.08
7.
51.85
69.26
42.62
47.70
8.
48.16
30.74
57.38
52.30
9.
26.75
17.08
31.88
29.06
10.
CEC (cmol(p+)kg-1)
136.8
163.7
176.5
186.9
11.
CMI1
1.94
4.06
1.34
1.64
12.
Experimental Plot
In general, the availability of micronutrients in soil showed an increasing trend post compost
application with few exceptions. Enhancement of microbial activity after application of microbial
rich compost might cause a positive influence towards the availability of micronutrients in the
5.11
9.59
5.54
6.43
Nutrient Status
13.
Control Plot
Parameter
Microbial Properties
4.20
Post - compost
application
316
300
200
Pre- compost
Post- compost
1
2
application
application
tea estate (Assam), India under CFC-TBI Project, 2008-2011; aims to evaluate whether good
14.
1.73
0.66
1.70
0.41
1.74
0.76
2.15
0.67
15.
Total K 2O (%)
0.90
0.40
1.00
1.10
16.
C/N ratio
15.5
10.0
18.4
13.5
Stability Parameters
17.
0.48
1.01
0.84
0.99
23.
63 x 1012
71 x 1012
20 x 1012
65 x 1016
24.
35 x 1010
80 x 1011
22 x 1012
22 x 1016
25.
15 x 1010
15 x 1011
9 x 1012
8 x 1016
107
108
108
21 x 1013
32 x 1013
ammonifiers 3
26.
Total
27.
Total nitrifiers 3
28.
6.7 x
16 x
16 x
65.0 x 107
57 x 108
73 x 108
0.46
1.20
1.12
1.26
0.03
0.03
0.02
0.02
0.08
0.07
0.07
0.10
NH4+ - N (%)
30.
NO3- - N (%)
+
31.
NH4 - N : NO3 - N
0.38
0.43
0.29
0.20
32.
Seedling emergence
(% of control)
97.9
82.7
94.1
116.9
33.
Root elongation
(% of control)
100.0
84.6
95.1
116.8
34.
Germination index
(phytotoxicity bioassay)
0.98
0.70
0.89
1.37
soil solution .
quality compost in lower dosage can support crop yield without any soil mining through
Study of pre and post compost applied soil samples from all the three tea gardens
rejuvenation of soil microbial population. Four organic soil amendments viz. vermicompost ,
revealed an increasing trend of soil fertility and soil microbial status after compost
indigenous , Biodynamic and Novcom compost were produced using on- farm resources and
application, which once again gave an indirect indication regarding the effectivity of
analyzed for physicochemical and microbiological properties, nutrient content, stability, maturity
35
36
Comparative Study
Crop performance in terms of green leaf yield was recorded plot wise during each plucking
round for the year 2009 and 2010. The yield considered presently is the average of 2009 and
2010, upto the period of 150 days (post compost application). Highest yield was obtained in
-1
-1
Novcom plots (3707 kgha ) followed by Indigenous (3340 kgha ), lowest yield was recorded in
Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya and in the farmers' field at Molebona village, Bankura
the control. Novcom, Indigenous, Vermi and Biodynamic applied plots were 25.2, 12.8, 11.6,
District of West Bengal. The trial was conducted during September,08 to January,09; for
and 6.4 percent higher respectively. However, significantly higher (CDP= (0.05) value 485) crop
evaluation NOVCOM Composting Method along with post soil effectivity of NOVCOM compost.
3800
3600
3400
3200
3000
2800
2600
2400
2200
2000
Vermi
Compost
4.70
3600
3400
4.50
3200
4.30
3000
4.10
2800
2600
3.90
2400
3.70
2200
3.50
2000
Control
Biodynamic
Compost
Novcom
Compost
Ammonifires
5.80
Nitosomonas
Nitrobactor
Yield
5.70
5.60
150
5.50
5.40
100
5.30
50
5.20
5.10
Verm i Com pos t
Indigenous
Com pos t
Biodynam ic
Com pos t
Ex. NH4
200
750
700
650
600
550
500
450
400
Control Plot
Chemical Plot
3800
4.90
800
Organic Plot
350
300
250
200
150
100
Control Plot
Chemical Plot
Organic Plot
7.80
7.60
7.40
7.20
7.00
6.80
6.60
7.50
Control
Control
The following figures indicates development of soil quality post novcom compost application.
6.40
Control Plot
Chemical Plot
y = 1.1103x
+ 7.083
y = 1.1103x 2 --3.3803x
3.3803x
+ 7.083
R2 =1
R =1
7.00
6.50
6.00
5.50
5.00
4.50
4.00
3.50
3.00
Organic Plot
Control Plot
Chemical Plot
Organic Plot
In depth study of this project in two different agro-climatic situations reveals that
Novcom Compost has that desired potential to be a path finder for formulation of
37
38
The most significant fact was that the average mass of fruits (tomato) at harvestable stage was
significantly higher in organically treated plants with respect to their counter parts under control
plots in both the study area. It indicates that soil-plant nutrient dynamics were more active in
organically treated plots irrespective of the agro-climatic zone. The increase in tomato yield due
Objective: To Assess the Status of Soil Health, Water Quality and Biodiversity in the T.E.
35
NOVCOM compost application (at the rate of 2-3 tons/ha) is being done in Jalinga Tea Estate
33
31
29
27
25
23
21
19
The study
population of microorganisms.
Achievement
17
15
BCKV Farm
Control Plot
Farmer's Field
Novcom Compost (4 ton/bigha)
Microbial status estimation in the tea estate soils reveals an active and enhanced population
which could have developed in this short period only through the application of highly
chemicals.
Greengram(kgha-1)----- >
2500000
0.025
3.6
2000000
1.04
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
3
2.5
1.8
2
1.5
0.020
0.015
0.010
0.2
0.5
0.0
Conventional
T. E.
(p p m )--->
3.5
1.2
0.005
0.0001
Organic T. E.
1500000
1000000
500000
0.000
Conventional
T. E.
Organic T. E. Conventional
T. E.
Bacterial
density
Fungal densityActinomicetes
density
1000
1.42
1.4
Organic T. E.
0.030
(p p m )--->
percent (%)--->
1.6
900
Study done by Assam University shows that soil fertility as well as microbial population in
800
NOVCOM compost treated soil is significantly higher than the soils of conventional tea
700
gardens. The study indicated that application of NOVCOM compost ensures improvement of
600
500
400
economic manner.
C o n t ro l P lo t
N o vc o m C o m p o s t
(2 t o n / b ig h a )
Compost Makes a Significant Impact in the Soil Quality Which in Turn Positively
Influence the Biodiversity of the Tea Estate.
39
40
2. On the 1st day, 7th day and 14th day height of the heap should not
moisten them.
order. In this regard evaluation of NOVCOM Fig 1:Root Development in tea seedlings with
compost
in
terms
of
different
REMEMBER BOTH OVER (> 60%) & LOW MOISTURE (< 50%)
IN THE HEAP SHALL AFFECT COMPOST QUALITY.
growth of seedlings.
PERCOLATION OF RAIN WATER IN THE HEAP DURING
COMPOSTING OR IN READY COMPOST SEVERELY AFFECTS
COMPOST QUALITY, WHICH CANNOT BE RECTIFIED.
6. AT THE SAME TIME DURING COMPOSTING THE HEAP
SHOULD GET SUFFICIENT SUNSHINE.
7. Maintain temperature record. For effective composting the
temperature of the heap should rise above 600C by 72 hours of
Fig 3:Tomato nursery under different
41
heap erection.
42