Seri waste - A boon to enhance yield, quality of mulberry leaf and rearing parameters of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. with integrated nutrient management approach

An experiment was conducted at the Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam and a farmer’s field at Annur, Coimbatore district, to assess the impact of organic manures and chemical fertilizers on mulberry (Morus spp.) leaf yield, quality and cocoon production. Mulberry is the primary food source for Bombyx mori L. and its nutritional status plays a vital role in sericulture productivity. Excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers can impair soil health and silkworm performance, while organic amendments offer a more sustainable alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) using sericulture waste compost, vermicompost and varying levels of Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) on soil fertility, nutrient uptake, plant growth and leaf yield in two mulberry cultivars, G4 and S36. The experiment involved treatments combining RDF with organic manures, including seri-waste compost and vermicompost, applied individually and in combination. Results showed that treatments integrating 75 % RDF with either vermicompost or seri-waste compost significantly improved plant growth, leaf yield and nutrient uptake compared to control and full RDF alone. Compost-based treatments also enhanced soil organic carbon and macronutrient content. In conclusion, integrating organic manures with reduced levels of chemical fertilizers is a promising strategy to improve mulberry productivity, enhance soil health and promote sustainable sericulture. These findings support the use of enriched seri-wastes as effective nutrient sources in INM programs for mulberry cultivation.