Castor Oil Cake: A Sustainable Organic Nutrient Source for Sericultural Host Plants: A Review

Le résumé fourni par la source

The rapidly increasing environmental degradation caused by indiscriminate use of synthetic fertilizers has pivoted our focus towards sustainable and organic nutrient management agricultural strategies. Castor oil cake (COC), a nutrient-rich by-product generated during castor oil extraction, has emerged as a promising organic nutrient source due to its high nitrogen (4-6%), phosphorus (1-2%) and potassium content (1-2%). Although COC contains toxic compounds such as ricin, which limits its use as livestock feed, it has been widely investigated as a soil amendment for improving soil fertility and crop productivity. This review aims to evaluate the potential of castor oil cake as an organic nutrient source for sericultural host plants, particularly castor (Ricinus communis L.), the primary host plant of the eri silkworm (Samia ricini Donovan). Relevant literature published on COC and related organic nutrient management practices was critically reviewed to assess its effect on soil properties, microbial activity, plant growth and its potential relevance to sustainable ericulture. The reviewed studies indicated that optimum COC application enhances soil microbial activity, improves moisture retention and promotes nutrient availability. Apart from biomass accumulation, COC has also been reported to improve the physiological resilience to salt stress and enhance phytochemical production in crops. In the context of ericulture, COC-driven soil enrichment produces superior foliage quality, thereby supporting improved silkworm growth and cocoon production. By repurposing industrial waste into an efficient nutrient source, COC offers a sustainable pathway to mitigate chemical reliance and boost soil health. However, direct evidence relating COC application to eri silkworm performance remains limited. The utilization of castor oil cake as an organic fertilizer offers a practical strategy for recycling an agro-industrial by-product into a valuable nutrient source. Its application has the potentiality to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, improve soil health, enhance castor growth and productivity and promote environmentally sustainable nutrient management practices in sericulture. COC has the potentiality to enhance soil productivity and thereby improving eri silkworm productivity through improved host plant nutrition. Although its impact has been well documented in a number of crops, further research is required to establish standard application practices and its effects on eri silkworm growth, cocoon yield and economic returns. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the potentiality of castor oil cake as an organic fertilizer for eri silkworm host plants to improve overall soil health, host plant productivity and environmentally sustainable sericultural practices.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.