Enhancing the yield of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) using organic seaweed extract

Seaweed extracts are gaining attention due to growing popularity of organic food and sustainable agricultural practices. Owing to their sustainability and eco-friendly nature, seaweed extracts are widely utilized in organic agriculture. This study aims to enhance black gram yield and maintain soil nutrient balance through the application of organically extracted seaweed solutions. Seaweed (Gracilaria edulis) was extracted using organic solvents-fermented buttermilk and cow urine and compared with a conventional water-based extract. Two field trials were conducted using these organic seaweed extracts to assess their effect on black gram performance. Results showed that prepared organic extracts of cow urine and fermented buttermilk were superior to conventional water extracts. Black gram yield increased by 11.9 % and 7.7 % with cow urine and fermented buttermilk extracts, respectively, compared to the water extract. Plant and grain quality indicators - including relative leaf water content (89.8 %) chlorophyll a (1.81 mg/g), chlorophyll b (0.80 mg/g), total chlorophyll, carotenoids (2.61 mg/g) Quality of black gram plants and grain such as relative leaf water content (89.8 %), chlorophyll a, (1.81) b, total chlorophyll (0.80) and carotenoids (2.61), grain protein (27.7 %) and ash were the highest with 15 % cow urine extract application. Nutrient uptake by black gram grain and stover was also the highest with 15 % cow urine extracts application. Therefore, the study recommends applying cow urine-based seaweed extracts at a concentration of 10-15 % to optimize black gram growth and yield.