Green Manuring After Rabi Harvest: A Natural Boost for Soil Fertility – IARI Advisory
Agriculture Advisory for Indian Farmers from Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
04 May 2025, New Delhi: Following the completion of Rabi crop harvesting, farmers have a valuable opportunity to restore and rejuvenate their soil through green manuring—an age-old, organic practice that adds natural fertility to the land. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) strongly recommends sowing green manure crops during this transitional period, especially in fields that are lying vacant.
Green manuring involves growing fast-growing leguminous crops and ploughing them back into the soil before they mature. These crops decompose quickly and improve the organic matter content, enhance microbial activity, and naturally fix atmospheric nitrogen. This leads to better soil structure, increased water retention, and improved nutrient availability for the next crop.
According to IARI, farmers can sow cluster bean (guar), dhaincha, sunhemp (senai), and lobia (cowpea) for green manuring purposes. These crops are well-suited for Indian agro-climatic conditions and provide excellent biomass within a short growth span. Sunhemp and dhaincha, in particular, are known for their vigorous growth and ability to suppress weeds, further reducing the dependence on chemical weed control.
To ensure good germination and rapid crop establishment, farmers should make sure that adequate soil moisture is available before sowing. If needed, a light irrigation can be provided. Timely sowing is important, as green manure crops should be incorporated back into the soil before they start flowering—generally within 40 to 50 days of sowing—for maximum benefit.
Incorporating green manures into the soil not only improves the physical and biological health of the soil but also reduces the cost of fertilizers for the succeeding crops. This practice is particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers who often struggle with the high cost of inputs.
Beyond soil health, green manuring plays an important role in sustainable agriculture by reducing chemical residue, promoting biodiversity, and improving the long-term productivity of farmland. It also contributes positively to climate resilience by enriching the soil with carbon and improving its water-holding capacity.
IARI’s advisory comes at a crucial time when soil degradation is increasingly threatening farm profitability. By embracing green manuring, farmers can take a low-cost yet powerful step toward rebuilding soil health and ensuring better yields in the upcoming Kharif season.
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