Algae-Agro Culture: Integrating Algae-Based Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture in the East Nimar Region of Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh

The present investigation was carried out at the Rishi Parashar School of Agriculture Science from November 2024 to February 2025 to assess the performance of Chlorophyceae algae, specifically those collected from the Tapti River in Bhuranpur. The study examined the impacts of microalgae applications on three major crops: barley, mustard, and maize. Thirteen experimental treatments were implemented, including various combinations of algae with organic amendments and control groups: T-1 (Algae + vermiwash), T-2 (Algae + poultry manure), T-3 (Algae + vermicompost), T-4 (Algae + NADEP compost), T-5 (Algae + vermiwash + poultry manure), T-6 (Algae + vermiwash + vermicompost), T-7 (Algae + vermiwash + NADEP), T-8 (Algae alone), T-9 (Vermiwash alone), T-10 (Poultry manure alone), T-11 (Vermicompost alone), T-12 (NADEP alone), and T-13 (Control). Throughout the course of the experiment, both growth and yield parameters were systematically evaluated. The study evaluated the effects of algae-based organic amendments, in combination with vermiwash, poultry manure, vermicompost, and NADEP compost, on the growth and yield performance of maize, barley, and mustard. Results revealed significant differences among treatments across all crops. In maize, the integrated treatment Algae + Vermiwash + Poultry Manure (T-5) recorded the maximum plant height (195.66 cm), cob weight (258.33 g), and green cob yield (148.56 q ha⁻¹), nearly doubling productivity compared to the control (78.22 q ha⁻¹). In barley, the same treatment (T-5) produced the tallest plants (98.25 cm), highest grain number per spike (40.11), and maximum grain yield (26.66 q ha⁻¹), while control plots had the lowest yield (12.66 q ha⁻¹). Similarly, in mustard, T-5 achieved the maximum plant height (131.33 cm), siliqua number per plant (90.66), seeds per siliqua (18.33), and seed yield (21.33 q ha⁻¹), outperforming the control (11.88 q ha⁻¹). Across all crops, stover or straw yield also followed the same trend, with integrated treatments showing nearly 100% yield advantage over control. The findings demonstrate that the combined application of algae with vermiwash and organic manures, particularly poultry manure, vermicompost, and NADEP compost, substantially enhances plant growth, yield attributes, and productivity. This integrated approach provides a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to improve crop performance while maintaining soil health.