Harnessing the potential of Kunapajala as a sustainable liquid organic preparation for soil health and plant growth

The excessive reliance on synthetic fertilizers has significantly altered soil physicochemical properties, disrupted microbial communities, and reduced long-term soil fertility, thereby necessitating sustainable nutrient management strategies. Kunapajala , a traditional fermented liquid formulation described in ancient Indian agricultural texts, has emerged as a potential biostimulant with significant implications for soil–plant systems. This review critically evaluates the role of Kunapajala in soil nutrient cycling, microbial dynamics, and plant growth promotion. The fermentation process generates a nutrient-rich matrix containing macro- and micronutrients alongside diverse microbial communities dominated by Firmicutes , Proteobacteria , and Bacteroidetes . Microbial succession during fermentation facilitates the transformation of organic substrates into plant-available forms. It enriches plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which contribute to nutrient solubilization, phytohormone production, and enhanced rhizosphere activity. Despite consistent reports of improved soil fertility, microbial biomass, and crop productivity, substantial variability in composition and the absence of standardized preparation protocols limit its reproducibility and field-scale applicability. This review proposes a soil–microbe–plant interaction framework to explain its mode of action and highlights key research priorities, including process standardization, biosafety validation, and omics-based characterization. Kunapajala represents a promising bio-based input for sustainable soil management; however, its integration into modern agriculture requires rigorous scientific validation and regulatory alignment.