Neem Oil Cake

Neem Oil Cake - Organic Fertilizer

Neem Oil Cake is also commonly called as Neem Cake.

Neem Oil Cake is the by-product obtained in the process of cold pressing of Neem fruits and kernels. It is a potential source of organic manure under the Bureau of India Standards, Specification No. 8558. Neem has demonstrated considerable potential as a fertilizer.

Neem oil cakes have adequate quantity of NPK in organic form for plant growth. Being totally botanical product it contains 100% natural NPK content and other essential micro nutrients as N(Nitrogen 2.0% to 5.0%), P(Phosphorus 0.5% to 1.0%), K(Potassium 1.0% to 2.0%), Ca(Calcium 0.5% to 3.0%), Mg(Magnesium 0.3% to 1.0%), S(Sulphur 0.2% to 3.0%), Zn(Zinc 15 ppm to 60 ppm), Cu(Copper 4 ppm to 20 ppm), Fe (Iron 500 ppm to 1200 ppm), Mn (Manganese 20 ppm to 60 ppm)It is rich in both sulphur compounds and bitter limonoids.

According to research calculations, Neem oil cake seems to make soil more fertile due to an ingredient that blocks soil bacteria from converting nitrogenous compounds into nitrogen gas. It is a nitrification inhibitor and prolongs the availability of nitrogen to both short duration and long duration crops.

Use as a Fertilizer
Neem oil cake organic manure protects plant roots from nematodes, soil grubs and white ants probably due to its content of the residual limonoids. It also acts as a natural fertilizer with pesticidal properties. Neem oil cake is widely used in India to fertilize paddy, cotton and sugarcane. Usages of neem oil cake have shown an increase in the dry matter in Tectona grandis (Teak), Acacia nilotica (Gum Arabic), and other forest trees.

Neem oil cake also reduces alkalinity in soil, as it produces organic acids on decomposition. Being totally natural, it is compatible with soil microbes, improves and rhizosphere microflora and hence ensures fertility of the soil. Neem oil cake improves the organic matter content of the soil, helping improvement in soil texture, water holding capacity, soil aeration for better root development.

Pest Control
Neem oil cake is effective in the management of insects and pests. The bitter principles of the soil and cake have been reported to have seven types of activities such as antifeedant, attractant, repellent, insecticide, nematicide, growth disruptor and antimicrobial.

Neem oil cake contains salannin, nimbin, azadirachtin and azadiradione as the major components. Of these, azadirachtin and meliantriol are used as locust antifeedants while salannin is used as an antifeedant for the housefly.

Mode of use    
Neem Oil Cake fits for any type of soil, with its high content of organic matter. Sunray International recommends this manure for all kind of crops. Neem Oil Cake is also the fertilizer for turf and lawns.

When it is used as basic manure, Neem Oil Cake is taken by spreading on the soil 10 to 15 days before planting. When used as a fertilizer for maintenance, it is spread to the surface, slightly hidden if possible, and lightly watered if necessary.