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Waste Decomposer (NCOF)

Waste Decomposer is a consortium of beneficial microorganisms isolated from desi cow dung by Dr Krishan Chandra at the National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF), Ghaziabad. Launched in 2015 and distributed at a nominal cost through NCOF and state agriculture departments, it is one of the most widely promoted public-sector microbial inoculants for in-situ composting of crop residue.

Composition

  • Source: native microbial isolates from desi (Bos indicus) cow dung
  • Form: 30 ml liquid culture in a sealed bottle
  • Shelf life: three years from manufacture
  • Developer: Dr Krishan Chandra, NCOF Ghaziabad
  • Distribution: NCOF supplies the mother culture at nominal cost; state departments and private licensees distribute multiplied product

Multiplication protocol

The mother culture is multiplied on-farm by mixing one 30 ml bottle with 2 kg jaggery in 200 litres of clean water and incubating for five to seven days at ambient temperature with daily stirring. The multiplied solution is then used directly, with a portion held back for further multiplication, allowing on-going on-farm production from a single mother bottle.

Mode of action

The microbial consortium accelerates the breakdown of cellulose, lignin and other plant residues through the action of saprophytic fungi and bacteria. When applied to a pile of crop residue or organic waste, the microbes hydrolyse complex polymers into simple sugars and finally into humic substances. Used as a soil drench, the same culture is intended to enhance rhizosphere microbial activity and nutrient cycling.

Target use

  • In-situ composting: pile crop residue 30-45 cm high, drench with multiplied solution, turn every 7-10 days; compost ready in 30-40 days.
  • Soil drench/irrigation: applied at the rate of 200 litres per acre through irrigation.
  • Seed treatment: dilute solution to coat seed before sowing.
  • Foliar biostimulant: dilute spray on standing crop.

The protocol is promoted by NCOF and state agriculture departments as a low-cost biological alternative to crop-residue burning, particularly relevant in paddy-wheat rotations.

Adoption context

Widely distributed across Indian states under government promotion programmes. Used in natural-farming and organic-farming systems as a residue-management tool and as a microbial input alongside Jeevamrutham Drava, Panchagavya and Fym Farmyard Manure.

See also: Jeevamrutham Drava, Panchagavya, Microbial Biofertilizers, Fym Farmyard Manure, Vermicompost, Bd 500 Biodynamic.

References

  1. NCOF Waste Decomposer. Vikaspedia agriculture portal.
  2. Waste Decomposer. Krishi Science.