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@article{186328,
        author = {Ruchita N. Dalvi},
        title = {Vriksha Ayurveda: Integration of Traditional Knowledge for Agricultural Sustainability},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {6},
        pages = {1305-1310},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=186328},
        abstract = {The increasing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has raised significant environmental and health concerns due to soil degradation, pollution, and bioaccumulation of toxic compounds. Plant-based biofertilizers and biopesticides have emerged as sustainable alternatives to address these issues. This study explores the biofertilizer and pesticidal properties of Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Curcuma longa (Turmeric), and Zingiber officinale (Ginger) extracts, following traditional Ayurvedic methods. Aqueous extracts were prepared from the leaves of Tulsi and Neem, the rhizome of Ginger, and the powder of Turmeric. The effect of these extracts on seed germination, plant growth, soil microflora, and pest control was evaluated. Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) seeds treated with combination of these extracts showed up to a 40% improvement in germination rates and a 39% increase in shoot length, with the combination of 0.25% of ginger, turmeric, neem and tulsi to make total conc. 1% demonstrating the highest growth-promoting effects. Soil microbial load was assessed using serial dilution and colony-forming unit (CFU) count methods, revealing a notable increase in microbial colonies, indicating enhanced soil health. For pesticidal activity, the extracts were tested against Chironomus larvae at different concentrations. Curcuma longa extract demonstrated the highest efficacy with up to 72% larval mortality, followed by Ocimum tenuiflorum, Zingiber officinale, and Azadirachta indica. The findings suggest that plant-based biofertilizers and biopesticides, particularly turmeric-based formulations, offer an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical products. The development of a combined Ayurvedic biofertilizer-pesticide product holds promise for sustainable agricultural practices.},
        keywords = {Biopesticides, Herbal fertilizers, Sustainable agriculture, Traditional knowledge, Vriksha Ayurveda},
        month = {November},
        }