The Secret Behind Jeevamrutha: Nature’s Own Fertilizer
If there’s one thing that separates organic farming from industrial agriculture, it’s how we treat the soil. Jeevamrutha is at the heart of that difference: a living, breathing tonic that feeds microorganisms, strengthens roots, and transforms lifeless soil into a thriving ecosystem.
As the farmers of Organic Mandya say, “Healthy soil isn’t made in a factory; it’s made in a drum.”
This traditional preparation, developed under the Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) movement, is now helping farmers improve soil fertility and crop yield without relying on chemicals.
What is Jeevamrutha?
Jeevamrutha is a bio-fertiliser made from Desi Cow dung, urine, jaggery, pulse flour, and local soil. It acts as a microbial booster that revives soil life, improves water retention, and naturally enhances plant nutrition.
Unlike synthetic fertilisers that feed the plant directly, Jeevamrutha feeds the soil microorganisms, which in turn feed the plant.
|
Ingredient |
Quantity (per 200 L batch) |
Purpose |
|
Desi Cow Dung |
10 kg |
Provides beneficial microbes |
|
Desi Cow Urine |
10 L |
Acts as natural disinfectant and nitrogen source |
|
Jaggery |
2 kg |
Energy source for microbial growth |
|
Dicot Seed Powder / Flour |
2 kg |
Adds proteins and fats for microbial multiplication |
|
Local Soil |
A handful |
Introduces native microbes |
|
Water |
200 L |
Medium for fermentation |
“The real fertiliser is not what we pour into the soil, but what we grow within it.”
Why Desi Cows Matter
Not all cow dung is created equal. Desi Cow dung contains up to 300 crore microorganisms per gram, compared to just 75 lakh in Jersey cow dung. That microbial richness makes a massive difference in soil fertility and the biological activity that sustains crops.
Using Desi Cow urine also boosts nitrogen and enzymes essential for microbial growth something synthetic urea can’t replicate.
How to Prepare Jeevamrutha
-
Take a 200-litre plastic drum and fill it with clean water.
-
Add 10 kg of Desi Cow dung and 10 litres of Desi Cow urine.
-
Mix in 2 kg of jaggery and 2 kg of dicot seed powder (like green gram or black gram).
-
Add a handful of local forest soil to introduce natural microbes.
-
Stir the mixture clockwise to activate the fermentation process.
-
Cover the drum with a gunny cloth and keep it in a shaded area.
-
Stir daily for 2 days. After 48 hours, Jeevamrutha is ready for use.
You can store it for up to 12 days if kept cool and covered.
How to Use Jeevamrutha in Farming
For every acre of farmland, 200 litres of Jeevamrutha is sufficient. You can apply it through:
-
Drip irrigation or flooding to enrich soil directly.
-
Foliar spray (diluted) to provide nutrients to leaves.
Farmers who apply Jeevamrutha regularly notice better crop yield, deeper root systems, and visibly richer soil texture.
Nutritional Composition of Jeevamrutha
|
Component |
Function in Soil |
Approximate Contribution |
|
Nitrogen |
Leaf and stem growth |
0.5–0.9% |
|
Phosphorus |
Root and flower development |
0.3–0.5% |
|
Potassium |
Fruit and seed formation |
0.8–1.0% |
|
Organic Carbon |
Microbial food source |
1.5–2.0% |
|
Enzymes & Hormones |
Stimulate plant metabolism |
Trace amounts |
The combination of nutrients and live microbes acts as a natural growth promoter, enhancing plant resilience and reducing dependency on synthetic fertilisers.
Jeevamrutha vs Chemical Fertilizers
|
Aspect |
Jeevamrutha |
Chemical Fertilizers |
|
Source |
Natural (Cow-based) |
Synthetic (Petrochemical) |
|
Effect on Soil |
Improves fertility and life |
Depletes microbes over time |
|
Cost |
Negligible (Farm-based ingredients) |
High recurring costs |
|
Impact on Crops |
Enhances flavor and yield naturally |
Quick yield, poor taste and shelf life |
|
Sustainability |
100% eco-friendly |
Environmentally harmful |
“When soil eats naturally, it gives naturally.”
Variations and Local Adaptations
Depending on region and availability, ingredients can be tweaked. In Vidarbha and Nagpur, farmers use Jowar instead of sugarcane-based jaggery. Sweet fruits can also be substituted if jaggery isn’t accessible.
One golden rule from ZBNF: never use honey in Jeevamrutha. It disrupts the ecological balance and harms bees, which are vital to pollination.
The Science Behind Jeevamrutha
When Jeevamrutha ferments, billions of microorganisms multiply, breaking down organic matter into nutrients plants can absorb easily. These microbes also improve soil aeration, root penetration, and nutrient cycling.
The result? Increased earthworm populations, balanced soil pH, and long-term fertility restoration.
Farmers who’ve switched from chemical fertilisers to Jeevamrutha report:
-
30–40% increase in crop yield
-
Better water retention during droughts
-
Noticeable improvement in soil color and texture
Why Every Organic Farmer Should Use Jeevamrutha
Jeevamrutha isn’t just an input; it’s a philosophy. It restores respect for the soil, reduces farming costs, and ensures that future generations inherit fertile land.
At Organic Mandya, this traditional wisdom continues to power the movement toward natural, chemical-free agriculture.
FAQs
-
What is Jeevamrutha used for?
It’s a natural microbial fertiliser that enhances soil fertility and boosts crop yield organically. -
How often should Jeevamrutha be applied?
Apply once every 15 days for best results during the growing season. -
Can Jeevamrutha replace chemical fertilisers completely?
Yes. When used regularly, it can sustain soil fertility and yield without synthetic inputs. -
Can I prepare Jeevamrutha without Desi Cow dung?
Desi Cow dung is ideal, but local cow dung can be used with slightly reduced effectiveness. -
Does Jeevamrutha have any side effects?
None. It’s 100% natural and safe for crops, soil, and farmers.
