Journal of Environmental Biology

Integrating natural farming for enhanced seed yield,  soil health and profitability in onion seed production

A. Thakur¹, N.K. Bharat¹, K.S. Thakur², U. Singh³, R.Verma¹, C. Kaundal⁴, K. Nissa¹* and S.C. Verma⁵        

¹Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forstry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, India

²Department of Vegetable Science, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forstry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, India

³Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forstry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, India

⁴Department of Plant Pathology, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forstry, Nauni, Solan-173230, India

⁵Department of Entomology, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forstry, Solan-173 230, India

Received: 02 December 2025                   Revised: 30 March 2026                   Accepted: 27 May 2026

*Corresponding Author Email : kamrulnissa579@gmail.com                    *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1457-8853

Abstract

Aim: The study conducted from 2022–2024 aimed to study the impact of natural farming on the growth, yield, seed quality and economics on onion seed production and, to identify natural treatments that could serve as sustainable alternatives to conventional farming.

Methodology: Thirteen treatments involving different cropping systems and natural sprays such as buttermilk and Sounthaster were evaluated, including a conventional control. Plant height, leaf count, umbel diameter, seeds per umbel, 1000-seed weight and disease incidence, severity were among the field metrics that were noted. Seed quality traits, soil parameters were assessed using standard procedures and economic returns were expressed in terms of Benefit: Cost ratio.

Results: Maximum plant growth, days to flowering, highest seed yield, minimum days to seed harvest, and lowest disease incidence was recorded in T₁₀- Onion sole crop with 4 sprays of Butter milk. T₄ - Onion+Fenugreek with 4 sprays of Butter milk performed statistically at par with T₁₀ and T₁₃. Both T₁₀ and T₄ also recorded superior seed quality and higher Benefit: Cost ratio.

Interpretation: The results showed that the natural farming, particularly buttermilk-based treatments, improves soil health, plant growth, and seed vigour, resulting in increased yield and quality. Hence, for the production of high-quality onion seeds, treatments T₁₀ and T₄ are therefore appropriate and profitable choices.

Key words: Buttermilk, Jeevamrit, Natural farming, Onion seed

Copyright © 2026 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).