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Technologies
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Use of Panchhagavya for Plant Protection [Nepal]

Panchhagavya

technologies_1145 - Nepal

Completeness: 71%

1. General information

1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Key resource person(s)

SLM specialist:
SLM specialist:

Maskey Sunwi

Kathmandu University

Nepal

SLM specialist:

K.C Rabi

Kathmandu University

Nepal

SLM specialist:

Shrestha Archana

Kathmandu University

Nepal

SLM specialist:

Dahal Sabitri

SADP

Nepal

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Kathmandu University (KU) - Nepal
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Sustainable Agriculture Development Program Nepal (SADP) - Nepal

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Making the use of cow dung, cow urine, cow ghee, cow milk and honey with other materials, in order to make a fertilizer for plant production.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Panchhagavya was in practice from Neolithic period but recently has become a common interest. It has been used by Hindu Society and has also been mentioned in Vedas. In 1950, James F. Martin made a liquid by lactating cow milk, using dung, sea water and yeast. It was claimed that it was capable of greening degrading land.
It is an organic product that has the potential to play the role of promoting growth and providing immunity in plant system. It consists of nine products i.e. cow dung, cow urine, milk, curd, jaggery, ghee, ripened banana, tender coconut and water.
This technology most importantly focuses on agronomic measures and conserves the manuring and composting. It does not lead to changes in slope profile of the land. Organic matter is used for soil surface treatment which increases the fertility of the soil. This agronomic measure is also combined with management measures where change in management of soil results in giving improved vegetable cover.

Purpose of the Technology: The main purpose of Panchhagavya is to deal with major land problems such as soil infertility, less production of crops and water pollution due to use of fertilizers. It focuses on cropland where annual cropping is done. Annual crops are usually harvested within one or maximally within two years. Chemical and physical soil deterioration and biological degradation are the types of land degradation addresses by the technology.

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: In a container, mix 5kg of cow dung and 1/2kg of ghee. This mixture is stored in a shade for 4 days.On 5th day, the mixture is poured in a new container and cow milk, curd and cow urine is added to it. Then Jaggery is added by dissolving it in water. Ripened bananas are mashed and added to the above mixture with coconut water. This is stored for 30 days. Now, the mixture is stirred and mixed daily. This mixture is then sprayed to the crops. If the mixture is sprayed with hand sprayer then the nozzel must have greater pores. The preparation of Panchhagavya requires lot of products and takes around 30 days which makes it a bit costly.

Natural / human environment: The Panchhagavya thus produced is then sprayed in the agriculture fields. So, this can be used as a substitute for fertilizers as a type of organic manure. It can help promote greenery. Panchhagavya is prepared indoors in huge quantities and may be used overtime as required.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Nepal

2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:
  • 10-50 years ago

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • during experiments/ research
Comments (type of project, etc.):

It was in practice from neolithic period (7500-6500) but recently has become a common interest.

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • Improve soil fertility

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
  • Perennial (non-woody) cropping
  • Tree and shrub cropping
Main crops (cash and food crops):

major cash crop: (CA) Rice, (CP) potato and (CT) orange

Mixed (crops/ grazing/ trees), incl. agroforestry

Mixed (crops/ grazing/ trees), incl. agroforestry

  • Agroforestry
  • Agro-pastoralism
  • Agro-silvopastoralism
  • Silvo-pastoralism
Main products/ services:

timber, fuelwood, fruits and nuts, grazing / browsing, other forest products / uses (honey, medical, etc.), nature conservation / protection, recreation / tourism and protection against natural hazards

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Soil infertility, less yield or production of crops, water pollution due to use of fertilizers.

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Less yield of crops

Nomadism: Yes

Semi-nomadism / pastoralism: Yes

Ranching: Yes

Cut-and-carry/ zero grazing: Yes

Improved pasture: Yes

Selective felling of (semi-) natural forests: Yes

Clear felling of (semi-)natural forests: Yes

Plantation forestry: Yes

Forest products and services: timber, fuelwood, fruits and nuts, grazing / browsing, other forest products / uses (honey, medical, etc.), nature conservation / protection, recreation / tourism, protection against natural hazards

Future (final) land use (after implementation of SLM Technology): Cropland: Ca: Annual cropping

Constraints of mines and extractive industries

Constraints of settlement / urban

Constraints of infrastructure network (roads, railways, pipe lines, power lines)

Constraints of wastelands / deserts / glaciers / swamps

If land use has changed due to the implementation of the Technology, indicate land use before implementation of the Technology:

Cropland: Ca: Annual cropping

3.3 Further information about land use

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:
  • rainfed
Comments:

Water supply: Also mixed rainfed - irrigated, full irrigation and post-flooding

Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 2
Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 180; Longest growing period from month to month: July-December; Second longest growing period in days: 120; Second longest growing period from month to month: February-March

Livestock density (if relevant):

1-10 LU /km2

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • integrated soil fertility management

3.5 Spread of the Technology

Specify the spread of the Technology:
  • evenly spread over an area
If the Technology is evenly spread over an area, indicate approximate area covered:
  • > 10,000 km2
Comments:

The use of Panchhagavya is specially seen in different sates of India and Nepal. The area isn't uniformly distributed.

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures

agronomic measures

  • A2: Organic matter/ soil fertility
  • A3: Soil surface treatment
vegetative measures

vegetative measures

  • V3: Clearing of vegetation
management measures

management measures

  • M7: Others
Comments:

Main measures: agronomic measures

Secondary measures: vegetative measures, structural measures, management measures

Specification of other management measures: improves water holding capacity of soil

Type of agronomic measures: better crop cover, green manure, manure / compost / residues, soil conditioners (lime, gypsum)

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

chemical soil deterioration

chemical soil deterioration

  • Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content (not caused by erosion)
  • Cp: soil pollution
  • Cs: salinization/ alkalinization
physical soil deterioration

physical soil deterioration

  • Ps: subsidence of organic soils, settling of soil
  • Pu: loss of bio-productive function due to other activities
biological degradation

biological degradation

  • Bc: reduction of vegetation cover
  • Bq: quantity/ biomass decline
Comments:

Main type of degradation addressed: Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content, Cp: soil pollution, Cs: salinisation / alkalinisation, Bc: reduction of vegetation cover, Bq: quantity / biomass decline

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Ps: subsidence of organic soils, settling of soil, Pu: loss of bio-productive function due to other activities

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:
  • prevent land degradation
  • reduce land degradation
Comments:

Secondary goals: rehabilitation / reclamation of denuded land

4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Author:

Saurav Lohala

4.2 Technical specifications/ explanations of technical drawing

Panchagavya, an organic product has the potential to play the role of promoting growth and providing immunity in plant system. Panchagavya consists of nine products viz. cow dung, cow urine, milk, curd, jaggery, ghee, banana, Tender coconut and water.

Location: Bakhundol. Kathmandu

Date: 18-01-2014

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: moderate

Technical knowledge required for land users: low

Main technical functions: increase in organic matter, increase in nutrient availability (supply, recycling,…), sediment retention / trapping, sediment harvesting, increase of biomass (quantity), promotion of vegetation species and varieties (quality, eg palatable fodder), spatial arrangement and diversification of land use

Secondary technical functions: control of raindrop splash, control of dispersed runoff: retain / trap, control of dispersed runoff: impede / retard, control of concentrated runoff: retain / trap, control of concentrated runoff: impede / retard, control of concentrated runoff: drain / divert, reduction of slope angle, reduction of slope length, improvement of ground cover, increase of surface roughness, improvement of surface structure (crusting, sealing), improvement of topsoil structure (compaction), improvement of subsoil structure (hardpan), stabilisation of soil (eg by tree roots against land slides), increase of infiltration, increase / maintain water stored in soil, increase of groundwater level / recharge of groundwater, water harvesting / increase water supply, water spreading, improvement of water quality, buffering / filtering water, reduction in wind speed, control of fires, reduction of dry material (fuel for wildfires)

Structural measure: soil management

Structural measure: increase crop yield

Structural measure: increase crops immunity

Other type of management: storage of the mixture should managed

4.4 Establishment activities

Activity Type of measure Timing
1. mix 7 kg cow dung and 1 kg cow ghee Structural store in shade for 4 days
2. on 5th day pour milk, curd and cow urine Structural 1 day
3. dissolve jaggery in water, add ripened banana and tender coconut water Structural store for 30 days
4. stir and mix mixture daily Structural for 30 days

4.6 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Type of measure Timing/ frequency
1. Mix 5 kg of cow dung and 1/2 kg of ghee Structural 4 days
2. On 5th day pour milk, curd and cow urine Structural 5th day
3. Dissolve jaggery in water and add ripened banana and tender coconut water Structural 30 days
4. Stir and mix mixture daily Structural Everyday

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Fertilizers are found everywhere and is cheap but the properties of Panchhagavya requires a lot of products and takes around 30 days which makes it costly.

5. Natural and human environment

5.1 Climate

Annual rainfall
  • < 250 mm
  • 251-500 mm
  • 501-750 mm
  • 751-1,000 mm
  • 1,001-1,500 mm
  • 1,501-2,000 mm
  • 2,001-3,000 mm
  • 3,001-4,000 mm
  • > 4,000 mm
Agro-climatic zone
  • humid
  • sub-humid
  • semi-arid
  • arid

Thermal climate class: tropics

Thermal climate class: subtropics

Thermal climate class: temperate

Thermal climate class: boreal

Thermal climate class: polar/arctic

5.2 Topography

Slopes on average:
  • flat (0-2%)
  • gentle (3-5%)
  • moderate (6-10%)
  • rolling (11-15%)
  • hilly (16-30%)
  • steep (31-60%)
  • very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
  • plateau/plains
  • ridges
  • mountain slopes
  • hill slopes
  • footslopes
  • valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
  • 0-100 m a.s.l.
  • 101-500 m a.s.l.
  • 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
  • 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
  • 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
  • 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
  • 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
  • 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
  • > 4,000 m a.s.l.

5.3 Soils

Soil depth on average:
  • very shallow (0-20 cm)
  • shallow (21-50 cm)
  • moderately deep (51-80 cm)
  • deep (81-120 cm)
  • very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • high (>3%)
If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Soil fertility is very low - medium

Soil drainage / infiltration is medium

Soil water storage capacity is high

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

5-50 m

Availability of surface water:

good

Water quality (untreated):

poor drinking water (treatment required)

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • low
Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

Species diversity: Also medium

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Market orientation of production system:
  • subsistence (self-supply)
Off-farm income:
  • 10-50% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • very poor
  • poor
Individuals or groups:
  • individual/ household
Level of mechanization:
  • manual work
  • animal traction
Gender:
  • women
  • men
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Land users applying the Technology are mainly common / average land users

Population density: > 500 persons/km2

Annual population growth: 2% - 3%

5.7 Average area of land owned or leased by land users applying the Technology

  • < 0.5 ha
  • 0.5-1 ha
  • 1-2 ha
  • 2-5 ha
  • 5-15 ha
  • 15-50 ha
  • 50-100 ha
  • 100-500 ha
  • 500-1,000 ha
  • 1,000-10,000 ha
  • > 10,000 ha
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
  • small-scale
Comments:

Average area of land owned or leased by land users applying the Technology: Also 5-15 ha and 15-50 ha for use of wood.

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:
  • company
  • communal/ village
Comments:

Land ownership: Also group

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

health:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
education:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
technical assistance:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
employment (e.g. off-farm):
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
markets:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
energy:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
roads and transport:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
drinking water and sanitation:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
financial services:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

crop production

decreased
increased

fodder production

decreased
increased

fodder quality

decreased
increased

wood production

decreased
increased

risk of production failure

increased
decreased

product diversity

decreased
increased

land management

hindered
simplified
Water availability and quality

irrigation water availability

decreased
increased

irrigation water quality

decreased
increased

demand for irrigation water

increased
decreased
Income and costs

farm income

decreased
increased

economic disparities

increased
decreased

workload

increased
decreased

Socio-cultural impacts

food security/ self-sufficiency

reduced
improved

health situation

worsened
improved

cultural opportunities

reduced
improved

community institutions

weakened
strengthened

national institutions

weakened
strengthened

SLM/ land degradation knowledge

reduced
improved

conflict mitigation

worsened
improved

livelihoods and human well-being

reduced
improved

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

harvesting/ collection of water

reduced
improved

surface runoff

increased
decreased

excess water drainage

reduced
improved

evaporation

increased
decreased
Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased

soil cover

reduced
improved

soil loss

increased
decreased

soil crusting/ sealing

increased
reduced

soil compaction

increased
reduced

nutrient cycling/ recharge

decreased
increased

salinity

increased
decreased
Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

biomass/ above ground C

decreased
increased

plant diversity

decreased
increased

invasive alien species

increased
reduced

animal diversity

decreased
increased

beneficial species

decreased
increased

habitat diversity

decreased
increased

pest/ disease control

decreased
increased
Climate and disaster risk reduction

emission of carbon and greenhouse gases

increased
decreased

fire risk

increased
decreased

wind velocity

increased
decreased
Other ecological impacts

hazards towards adverse events

improved
reduced

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

water availability

decreased
increased

groundwater/ river pollution

increased
reduced

buffering/ filtering capacity

reduced
improved

damage on neighbours' fields

increased
reduced

damage on public/ private infrastructure

increased
reduced

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change
Season Type of climatic change/ extreme How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature increase well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm not well
local windstorm not known
Climatological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
drought well
Hydrological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
general (river) flood not well

Other climate-related consequences

Other climate-related consequences
How does the Technology cope with it?
reduced growing period not known
Comments:

Prefer drainage system and better plant diversity

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?
Short-term returns:

neutral/ balanced

Long-term returns:

neutral/ balanced

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?
Short-term returns:

neutral/ balanced

Long-term returns:

slightly positive

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Can improve the lifestyle because it helps to increase the economic status.

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Land users also should be active and motivates other to use.
Fresh vegetables without chemical fertilizers can be sold in market and gain more profit.
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Increase the productivity of crops.

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Awareness program, training should be done in local level in each and every part of the country.
Sustain drought condition because roots are grown into deeper layers.

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Different research based project should carried out.
Reduces the use of chemical fertilizers because Panchhagavya itself is a fertilizer.

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Research study initiation based on Panchhagavya should be established.
Improve the quality of the soil which ultimately improves the yield also.
Increase the immunity of the plant.

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view How can they be overcome?
Preparation of Panchhagavya is lengthy process so farmer use chemical fertilizer rather than Panchhagavya.
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
The preparation of Panchhagavya is a lengthy process so people are not ready to use instead of chemical fertilizers. Awareness training program within the people.
The use of Panchhagavya should be done in specific quantity. If not then it has negative impact on plants. Use of Panchhagavya in specific quantity as referred by the SLM specialists.

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