Navratna Green Manure Formula Explained: The 9-Crop Soil Revival System Every Farmer Should Know

Introduction: A New Approach to Natural Soil Enrichment

The “Navratna Green Manure Formula” is an innovative 9-crop green manure system developed through field experimentation in natural farming programs. It answers a long-standing question: Can we improve soil health faster and at lower cost than using only single-crop green manure (like dhaincha)?
The result was a multi-species blend so effective that farmers say it performs like two tractor loads of farmyard manure, while also restoring soil structure, biodiversity and organic carbon.

How the Navratna Concept Evolved

The idea began during natural farming training sessions where farmers were advised to start with pre-monsoon green manure before paddy. While most opted for dhaincha alone, some researchers wondered: What if multiple crop species are combined instead of just one?
This simple curiosity gave rise to the Navratna formula — a diverse mix chosen for biomass production, root depth variation, nutrient contribution and weed suppression.

How the 9-Crop Mix Was Finalized

The mix was built gradually, starting from dhaincha and adding more species based on their unique benefits.

The 9 Crops Included

1. Dhaincha

2. Sunhemp (सनई)

3. Lobia

4. Urd

5. Moong

6. Jowar

7. Bajra

8. Guar

9. Til (Sesame)

A simple memory principle guided the selection:
Three pulses + three oilseeds + three cereals/others.

Sesame was added last after observing an interesting field phenomenon: fields with sesame naturally suppressed the problematic weed motha (nutgrass) more effectively than other crops — making it a valuable weed-management addition.

Seed Quantity and Cost Logic

Traditionally, one acre of dhaincha-only green manure uses about 18 kg seed. Researchers compared this cost with a 9-crop alternative. The goal was clear: more biodiversity without increasing farmer expenses.

Initial Formula

•  2 kg each of 8 crops
• 0.5 kg sesame

Refined Formula (Current)

• 1.5 kg each of the eight crops
• 0.5 kg sesame

Even with reduced seed quantity, the biomass stayed the same because plants received better space to spread.
Only desi seeds were used to keep costs low.

Sowing, Growth, and Incorporation Schedule

The field process fits perfectly within a busy farmer’s calendar:

1. Broadcast all 9 crops together across one-acre land.

2. Within 45–50 days, a dense canopy forms — often so thick that walking across becomes difficult.

3. Around 3 days before rice transplanting:

• Run a disc harrow directly on the standing crop.
• Flood the field and keep water for 3 days to soften the biomass.

1. After decomposition begins, rice transplanting can start.

Legumes like moong, urd, lobiya decompose rapidly, while dhaincha residues decompose progressively over the next few days.

Biomass & Yield Principle

Farmers following this method share a simple rule:

Whatever you harvest in quintals, you must return the same amount of biomass to the soil.

For example, if one bigha produces 80 quintals of sugarcane, then ideally 80 quintals of biomass should be replenished.
The Navratna mix naturally fulfills a large portion of this requirement.

Nutrient Profile & Rise in Soil Organic Matter

Each crop contributes differently:

• Some species carry up to ~35% nitrogen in biomass.
• Legumes contribute up to ~60% nitrogen.
• The mixture collectively brings N, P, K back to the soil in slow-release form.

Long-Term Findings

In long-term trials where the Navratna mix and crop residues were consistently returned to the soil:

• Soil organic carbon increased from 4% → 5% in four years.
• With continued use, it is expected to reach around 6%.

Since organic matter takes years to break down and rebuild, this system significantly accelerates natural soil regeneration.

Integrating Navratna Green Manure in Sugarcane

Sugarcane farmers often say they lack time or space for green manure.
But the timeline proves otherwise:

• First hoeing in sugarcane: around 50 days
• Green manure incorporation: also around 50 days

Practical Integration

• Broadcast at least 3–4 crops from the Navratna mix (e.g., sunhemp, dhaincha, urd, moong, til) at planting.
• During the first hoeing or inter-cultivation, the green manure naturally gets incorporated between rows.

This improves soil moisture, nutrient holding capacity, microbial life and long-term yield stability.

How the Navratna Technique Spread

A farmer-to-farmer learning network played a major role in spreading this formula. Progressive cultivators adopt it, ask scientific questions, refine the practice and share the results widely — helping it expand organically across states.

Conclusion

The Navratna Green Manure Formula is not just a 9-crop mix — it is a complete soil regeneration strategy.
It improves fertility, builds organic carbon, controls weeds, reduces fertilizer dependency and restores soil structure naturally. For farmers shifting toward organic or low-input farming, this method offers an affordable, powerful, and field-tested solution.

At Jaivik Roots, we strongly recommend integrating Navratna Green Manure in at least one crop cycle every year to rebuild your soil’s foundation for long-term productivity and sustainability.