By Lambodar Neupane

1. It increases agriculture production by a minimum 100% while minimizing farming cost and duration.
2. It rejuvenates the soil’s health.
3. It increase the water table and reduce the flood disaster.
4. It helps in sequestration of atmospheric carbon.
5. It replaces all existing types of fertilizers.

Introduction

1.1 Background

Vedic farming refers to an agricultural system inspired by ancient North Himalayan texts known as the Vedas or Rishi farming, which date back thousands of years. The Vedas are among the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism and contain knowledge and insights into special aspects of agriculture, which in modern times are called natural probiotics, natural nutrients, and natural vitamins, essential metals (Gold, Silver) used in farming. Vedic farming or natural probiotic farming promotes natural methods of cultivation, avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals and pesticides. In summary, it emphasizes the use of microorganisms, nutrients, vitamins, and hormones as natural fertilizer.  .

Vedic or modern probiotic-based micro-nutrient farming also recognizes the interconnections of all elements within an ecosystem. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining soil health, biodiversity, and the overall balance of the environment. For example, Vedic or modern probiotic-based micro-nutrient farming emphasizes efficient water management techniques such as irrigation. It encourages practices that minimize environmental degradation and promote long-term soil fertility. In conclusion, for many practitioners, Vedic or modern probiotic-based micro-nutrient farming is not just a set of techniques but a way of life deeply connected to spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions.

The use of natural probiotics acts as a bridge between Vedic farming and natural agricultural farming to create sustainable and productive farming systems suited to the challenges of the 21st century (Lal, 2008). As a result, there's a growing interest in natural probiotics—beneficial microorganisms—as a sustainable solution for soil improvement (García-Fraile et al., 2017).

Natural probiotics encompass a wide array of microorganisms found in soil, twenty-one essential nutrients, gold, silver, and iron, and fermented organic matter (Katz, 2016). These include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes, among others. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, which often disrupt the delicate balance of soil ecosystems, natural probiotics work synergistically to improve soil structure, fertility, and resilience (Tan et al., 2022). Thus, the natural probiotics used in soil have a significant capacity to sink atmospheric carbon and heat. Consequently, natural probiotics have been used to dramatically reduce climate change, which the world is seeking for sustainability.

Enhancing Soil Fertility:

One of the primary roles of natural probiotics is to enhance soil fertility (Majeed et al., 2018). Through processes like decomposition and mineralization, microorganisms break down organic matter, releasing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (Condron et al., 2010). This nutrient cycling not only enriches the soil but also makes nutrients more accessible to plants, promoting healthier growth and higher yields.

A well-known natural probiotic is a scientific process, as described in “Rishi Kheiti,” which exemplifies this process. Composting involves the decomposition of organic materials like kitchen scraps, yard waste, and manure through the activity of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms (Raza, 2023).

Balancing Soil Microbial Communities:

The crucial function of natural probiotics is to balance soil microbial communities (Sahu et al., 2017). Healthy soil harbors a diverse array of microorganisms that contribute to nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and soil structure formation. However, intensive agricultural practices often disrupt this diversity, leading to imbalances that can negatively impact soil health. Natural probiotics help restore microbial diversity by introducing beneficial microorganisms into the soil (Bertola et al., 2021). For example, mycorrhiza fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and improving soil structure. Similarly, bacteria such as rhizobia fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it available to plants and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Suppressing Soil borne Pathogens:

In addition to promoting soil fertility, natural probiotics play a crucial role in suppressing soil- borne pathogens (Hu et al., 2016). Certain microorganisms produce compounds that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and nematodes, reducing the risk of crop diseases and increasing plant resilience (Basit et al., 2021. For instance, compost teas, which are liquid extracts of compost brewed with water, contain beneficial microorganisms that can suppress soil-borne pathogens when applied to crops. These teas act as natural biopesticides, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides while promoting soil health.

Improving Soil Structure and Water Retention:

Soil structure, the arrangement of soil particles and organic matter, is vital for water retention, aeration, and root penetration (Kay & Angers, 2001). Natural probiotics contribute to soil structure by aggregating soil particles, increasing porosity, and enhancing water infiltration rates. Fungi such as mycorrhizae produce hyphae, thread-like structures that bind soil particles together, creating stable aggregates that resist erosion and compaction. Similarly, earthworms, often considered nature's engineers, improve soil structure through their burrowing activity and the incorporation of organic matter into the soil (Le Bayon et al., 2021).Moreover, healthy soil rich in organic matter have greater water-holding capacity, reducing the risk of drought stress and improving overall crop resilience. Natural probiotics facilitate the decomposition of organic matter, increasing soil humus content and enhancing its ability to retain moisture (Gaveliene and Jurkoniene, 2022).

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture:

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture:

The adoption of natural probiotics aligns with the principles of sustainable agriculture, which seeks to minimize environmental impact while ensuring long-term productivity and resilience (Olmo et al., 2022). By harnessing the power of beneficial microorganisms, farmers can reduce their reliance on synthetic inputs, mitigate soil degradation, and support biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, natural probiotics offer cost-effective solutions for soil improvement, as they can be produced on-farm using locally available materials (Sagar et al., 2023). Composting, for example, utilizes organic waste streams that would otherwise contribute to landfill pollution, turning them into valuable resources for soil fertility and health.

Moreover, natural probiotics contribute to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in the soil. Healthy soils enriched with organic matter store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and climate change effects (Rosenzweig& Hillel, 2000).

Figure 5. A diagram of sustainable agriculture farming helps from natural probiotics

Natural probiotic can significantly reduce their environmental impact while providing consumers with high-quality and sustainable products.

Sustainable Sourcing: Use organic and sustainably sourced ingredients for probiotics. For instance, organic fruits and vegetables can be used as substrates for fermenting probiotics.

Minimal Processing: Minimize the processing steps involved in producing probiotics to reduce energy consumption and waste generation. Opt for simple fermentation methods that require less energy.

Efficient Water Usage: Implement water-saving techniques in production processes and reuse water whenever possible to minimize water wastage.

Waste Management: Develop systems to recycle or compost waste generated during the production process. For example, leftover organic matter from fermentation can be composted and used as fertilizer.

Carbon Offsetting: Invest in carbon offset projects to compensate for any unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions produced during the production and distribution of probiotics.

Education and Awareness: Educate consumers about the environmental benefits of choosing natural probiotics and encourage eco-friendly practices such as recycling and composting.

Regenerative Agriculture: Adopt regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health, water retention, and biodiversity. Techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and minimal tillage can improve soil structure and fertility over time.

Soil Conservation: Implement soil conservation practices such as erosion control, terracing, and agroforestry to prevent soil degradation and nutrient loss. Healthy soils are essential for sustaining long-term productivity.

Water Stewardship: Practice efficient water management techniques, including rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and water recycling, to conserve water resources and maintain ecosystem health.

Community Engagement: Engage with local communities and stakeholders to promote sustainable land use practices, support small-scale farmers, and foster social resilience.

Adaptation to Climate Change: Anticipate and adapt to climate change impacts by diversifying crops, adopting heat and drought-tolerant varieties, and implementing climate-smart agriculture practices.

Challenges and Considerations:

Natural probiotics offer numerous benefits for soil health and agricultural sustainability, their adoption may face certain challenges and considerations (Suman et al., 2022). Natural probiotics variability in microbial activity and effectiveness cannot be influenced by factors such as temperature, moisture, and soil pH (Awad et al., 2010). Additionally, there's a need for further research and education to ensure the proper application and management of natural probiotics. Farmers may require training and support to integrate these practices into their existing agricultural systems effectively (Jones et al., 2017).

Furthermore, regulatory frameworks and certification standards for organic farming often influence the adoption of natural probiotics. Clear guidelines and incentives may be necessary to encourage farmers to transition towards more sustainable soil management practices.

1.2 Objectives

General objective

The general objective is to enhance soil health for sustainable agriculture through the use of nature's probiotics.

Specific Objective

The specific objectives are the following:

1. To enhance soil fertility and balance soil microbial communities through the use of natural probiotics
2. To improve the soil structure and water retention through the use of natural probiotics
3. To promote sustainable agriculture through the use of natural probiotics
4. To reduce climate change by sinking carbon from the atmosphere

Materials and methods

2.1 Study area

The study area is located at a whole agriculture farm in all districts of Nepal. Agriculture includes paddy (rice), wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, fruit farming, and even chicken. The use of natural probiotics in soil preparation is the best practice.

2.2 Materials

The prepared natural probiotics will be used. Generally, 100 ml of mother seed is mixed with 100 liters of water and kept for 9 days. Then, a liter of prepared natural probiotics will be added to 2 liters of water while being spread.

2.3 Methods

The following methods are used to achieve the mentioned objectives:

1. To enhance soil fertility through the use of natural probiotics
2. Introducing probiotic agents (Bomba et al., 2002) like effective microorganisms (EM) or beneficial bacteria and fungi into compost piles can accelerate the decomposition process and enrich the compost with essential nutrients.
3. Biofertilizers (Singh et al., 2021): Biofertilizers are substances containing living microorganisms that colonize the rhizosphere or root zone of plants, enhancing nutrient availability and uptake. Examples include rhizobium for nitrogen fixation in legumes and mycorrhizal fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, aiding in nutrient absorption.
4. To improve the soil structure and water retention through the use of natural probiotics

Improving soil structure and water retention through the use of natural probiotics involves strategies that promote the growth and activity of beneficial soil microorganisms while enhancing the physical properties of the soil (Naik et al., 2019). Here are several methods to achieve this:

1. Crop residues (Shinde et al., 2022) in the soil provide a food source for soil microorganisms. As microorganisms decompose organic matter, they release sticky substances that help bind soil particles together, improving soil structure and creating pore spaces for water retention.
2. Using Biofertilizers (Grobelak et al., 2015): Biofertilizers containing beneficial microorganisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The PGPR can improve soil structure and water retention. Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, extending their reach and increasing nutrient and water uptake. PGPR enhances soil aggregation and produces substances that help soil particles bind together, improving soil structure and water infiltration.
3. Promoting Soil Biology (Schinner et al., 2012): Practices that promote soil biological activity, such as reducing chemical inputs, avoiding soil compaction, and maintaining diverse crop rotations, can improve soil structure and water retention over time. Beneficial soil organisms play a crucial role in maintaining soil health and structure.
4. To promote sustainable agriculture through the use of natural probiotics

Promoting sustainable agriculture through the use of natural probiotics involves employing techniques that enhance soil fertility, improve crop productivity, and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs (John et al., 2020). Here are several methods to achieve sustainable agriculture with natural probiotics:

1. Biofertilizers and microbial inoculants (Suyal et al., 2016): Using biofertilizers containing beneficial microorganisms such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria enhances nutrient availability for plants. Microbial inoculants help establish symbiotic relationships with plant roots, promoting nutrient uptake and improving soil health.
2. Education and Knowledge Sharing: Providing farmers with education and training on sustainable agriculture practices and natural probiotics fosters awareness and adoption of environmentally friendly farming methods. Knowledge-sharing initiatives, workshops, and farmer networks facilitate the exchange of best practices and promote sustainable agriculture principles.
3. To reduce climate change by sinking carbon from the atmosphere

Reducing climate change by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere involves various methods aimed at capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) in vegetation, soils, and other natural reservoirs (Lal, 2009). Here are several methods to achieve this:

1. Soil Carbon Sequestration (Dhakal., et al., 2019): Implementing agricultural practices that enhance soil organic carbon storage, such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, crop rotation, and organic amendments, promotes carbon sequestration in agricultural soils. These practices improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient cycling while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Urban Greening and Green Infrastructure (Saaroni et al., 2018): Increasing green spaces, urban forests, and green infrastructure in cities helps absorb CO₂ emissions, mitigate urban heat islands, and enhance urban biodiversity. Urban greening initiatives contribute to carbon sequestration while improving air quality and human well-being.

3. Expected outcomes

The expected outcomes will be the following:

1. a) Promising avenues for soil improvement and sustainable agriculture use of natural probiotics.
2. b) Enhance soil fertility, suppress soil-borne pathogens, improve soil structure, and promote water retention by harnessing the power of beneficial microorganisms.
3. c) Offer environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical inputs, contributing to biodiversity conservation, long-term agricultural sustainability, and climate change mitigation through the use of natural probiotics. 

Conclusions

Describing all about natural probiotics as above, natural probiotics is the only solution for all present global problems like climate change, soil health and agro production, livestock production, and water recharge. The evaluation of the project aimsarebased on the cost-benefit analysis (CBA).  So, for this research project, agencies should be fund on natural probiotics used farming.

Contact to -

1. lambodar Neupane

Natural Farming Activist

Kathmandu, Nepal

Contact us- [email protected]

Ph.no. +977 98630322418