Effect of Organic Sources of Nutrient with or without Bio-stimulant {Kappaphycus alvarezii (K Sap)} on Growth and Yield of Linseed

Oilseeds, which are the primary source of vegetable oils, are second only to food grains in importance to the Indian economy, making up around 10% of the country'scultivated land and the total value of its agricultural output. Based on the current level of fat and oil consumption (8.5 kg/capita/year) and the subsequent growth, the requirements for vegetable oilseed have been projected to be approximately 34 million tonnes by 2030 AD, of which 14 million tonnes is to be contributed by rapeseed-mustard to meet the annual domestic demand. Over the past three decades, the oilseeds sector has grown at a rate of 4.1% annually, outpacing the growth of livestock products and other agricultural products. This has made it one of the most dynamic sectors in the global agricultural sector. Linseed, also known as flax (Linum usitatissimum L.),is one of the oldest crops grown worldwide for its oil, fibre, and seed. Linseed stands out among oilseeds due to its ability to produce technical-grade vegetable oil and high-quality fibre, known for its strength and durability. With an oil content ranging from 35 to 45 percent, linseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The presence of omega-3 fatty acids aids in reducing triglyceride levels in the blood, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease, and showing potential in combating rheumatoid arthritis. Linseed oil contains three times more omega-3 fatty acids than omega-6 fatty acids. Additionally, linseed seeds boast 36 percent protein, with 85 percent of it being digestible. The oil cake leftover after oil extraction is utilized as feed for dairy and fattening animals, contributing to milk and meat production. The linseed crop occupies an area of 1.82 lakhs hectare in the country yielding out 1.22 lakhs tones having an average productivity of 671 kg/ha for year 2019-20 (Anonymous, 2020). Linseed oil is the best vegetable oil for painting and varnishing because of its high iodine value, which is more than 180. It also gives the products good drying properties. As a result, the majority of linseed produced worldwide finds its application in industry. Despite being categorised as an inedible oil, roughly 20% of the linseed produced in India is used for food, especially instates like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. Uttar Pradesh is one of the important linseeds growing state of India, where linseed is being cultivated over 26.90 thousand hectares with a production of 17.89 thousand tones with productivity of 150 kg/ha (Anonymous, 2021).

Application of FYM along with inorganic fertilizers in soil leads to improve soil structure, water holding capacity and enhances system productivity. Organic sources of nutrients applied to the preceding crop benefits the succeeding crop to a great extent (Hedge and Dwivedi, 1992) and system productivity becomes more sustainable in nature. Ismail et al., (1994) concluded that conservation tillage systems result significant and positive effects on several physical and chemical soil properties. Organics, in the context of agriculture, refer to plant and animal waste materials that serve as sources of nutrients for plants. These materials release their nutrients when they undergo decomposition. Vermi-compost has demonstrated remarkable capabilities as a growth enhancer for plants while also acting as a protective shield against pests and diseases (Tiwari and Singh, 2021). This makes it a valuable and multifaceted resource for improving soil health and supporting plant growth in agricultural and horticultural practices. Very recently the use of stimulant is gaining importance in crop production system including organic farming. Researching the effects of organic sources of nutrients, with or without bio-stimulant like Kappaphycus alvarezii (K Sap), on the growth and yield of linseed is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, organic farming practices are gaining momentum due to their potential to improve soil health, enhance nutrient availability, and promote sustainable agriculture. By exploring the efficacy of organic nutrient sources, farmers can reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, mitigating environmental pollution and minimizing health risks associated with chemical residues in food. Additionally, bio-stimulant derived from natural sources like Kappaphycus alvarezii have shown promising results in enhancing plant growth, stress tolerance, and nutrient uptake. Understanding their impact on linseed cultivation can contribute to optimizing organic farming techniques, improving yield, and ensuring the production of high-quality linseed crops.