Throughout the Mediaeval Ages, France and England both grew a lot of mustard, which was used to manufacture condiments.
The history of the mustard crop is long-lasting and fascinating. The plant was also used to manufacture ointments and fragrances, and the seeds were used as a spice and medicine by the ancient Egyptians. The mustard plant was introduced to Europe by the Romans, who also used it as a spice.
Throughout the Mediaeval Ages, France and England both grew a lot of mustard, which was used to manufacture condiments. By the 19th century, mustard had established itself as a standard condiment in many regions of the world.
These days, mustard is grown in a variety of nations, including those in Canada, India, Russia, and the United States. It can be used as a spice, a condiment, or as a component in conventional medicines, among other things.
The potential health benefits of mustard, such as its capacity to lower inflammation and enhance heart health, have also been researched
Mustard grows during the cool months and belongs to the Brassicaceae family. A plant mostly grown for its seeds, which are used to make mustard oil and sauces. A crop as adaptable to a variety of soil types and climatic circumstances as mustard may be grown in many different parts of the world.
Generally, mustard is sown in the fall or spring, depending on the region and the climate. The plant normally reaches a height of 1-2 metres and blooms in the spring with beautiful yellow flowers. The mustard seed pods reach maturity in the summer, at which point the seeds are gathered and prepared for use in salads, sauces, and cooking oils.
Production of mustard crops worldwide and in Pakistan
The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that 14.2 million metric tonnes of mustard seed were produced globally in 2020.
As of 2020, these countries are the top five producers of mustard seed worldwide:
- 3.2 million metric tons are produced in Nepal.
- 1.8 million metric tons are produced in Canada.
- 1.5 million metric tons are produced in Russia.
- 1.3 million metric tons are produced in Ukraine.
- 1.2 million metric tons produced by China.
- According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the production of mustard seed in Pakistan was 518 thousand metric tons in the year 2020–21.
Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are the two provinces in Pakistan that produce the most mustard. The principal mustard-producing regions are located in the Punjab districts of Okara, Faisalabad, Kasur, and Sahiwal, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat, Mardan, and Peshawar.
Uses of Mustard Crop
A versatile crop with various applications is mustard. Among the primary applications for the mustard crop are:
Condiment:
Mustard is made from mustard seeds and is a well-known condiment that is frequently used as a flavouring in various forms of international cuisine.
Cooking oil:
Mustard oil is a common cooking oil used in various regions of the world, especially South Asia. It has a unique flavour and is frequently added to curries and stir-fries.
Animal feed:
Mustard seeds and meal (the by-product of oil production) are a high-protein source of food for animals.
Biofuel:
Biodiesel can be produced from mustard oil, a sustainable fuel source.
Soil improvement:
Mustard is a biofumigant crop; it produces compounds that can help control pests and viruses that are spread through the soil and enhance soil health.
Cover crop:
Mustard can be used as a cover crop to stop soil erosion, control weed growth, and enhance soil structure.
Overall, mustard is a beneficial crop that has numerous uses in both the food and non-food industries.
As everyone is aware, we have turned artificial fertilisers into essential food for our soil. These fertilisers damage soil by depleting nutrients, causing soil acidity, compaction, contamination, and water pollution, among other issues. With this, we are aware of chemical rates.
Small farmers cannot afford the cost of pesticides and the resulting production reductions. We must apply mustard cake to tackle this issue and enhance productivity.
Mustard cake is a by-product of mustard oil production, often referred to as mustard meal or mustard seed meal. It is a fantastic organic fertiliser that has many advantages for both soil and plants. The uses and advantages of using mustard cake as fertiliser will be discussed in this article.
What is mustard cake?
The leftover seed pulp from the extraction of the mustard oil is used to make mustard cake. Crushed and ground into a coarse powder, the seed pulp is then used as fertiliser. The important plant nutrients nitrogen (4.8%), phosphorus (2% as P2O5), and potassium (1.2% as K2O) are all rich in mustard cake. It also includes additional necessary micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and sulphur.
Uses of Mustard Cake as a Fertiliser
Enhances Soil Fertility:
In order to increase the organic matter content of the soil and increase soil fertility, mustard cake is a great soil amendment. Moreover, it enhances aeration, water-holding capacity, and soil texture, which promotes the growth of healthy plants.
Provides Essential Nutrients:
The growth of healthy plants needs nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, all of which are abundant in mustard cake. Potassium aids in the development of fruit and flowers, phosphorus encourages the growth of roots; and nitrogen aids in the development of leaves and stems.
Increases microbial activity:
It is well known that mustard cake increases the microbial activity in the soil, which aids in the decomposition of organic matter and the release of nutrients for plant absorption. Improve soil health and fertility.
Controls Nematodes:
Our 100% pure fertilisers, neem cake powder and mustard cake powder mixture, can prevent the growth of viruses, nematodes, and a variety of other microbes.
Acts as a natural pesticide:
Glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, two substances found in mustard cake, have natural insecticide capabilities. These substances function as bio-fumigants when added to soil, aiding in the management of weeds, pests, and pathogens that are carried by the soil.
How to Use Mustard Cake as a Fertiliser
There are several ways to use mustard cake as fertiliser. It can be added directly to the soil or used as a part of a vermicompost or compost pile. These are a few applications for mustard cake:
As a fluid fertiliser:
By soaking 100 grams of mustard cake powder in 1 litre of water, you can ferment the mustard cake powder in an earthen pot or any kind of plastic bucket. It has been thoroughly combined. Put a lid on the bucket now and leave it alone for two days. After 4 days, filter it and add 500 ml of water to the fermented solution to further thin the liquid. Use this liquid fertiliser in your food garden and on blooming plants.
Soil Application:
You can either spread mustard cake evenly across the field or apply it directly to the soil surrounding the plants. Depending on the soil type and crop needs, an application rate of 500–1000 kg per hectare is advised.
Composting:
To add vital nutrients and raise the compost’s quality, mustard cake can be included in a compost pile. A volumetric rate of 10% to 20% is advised.
Vermicomposting:
Moreover, mustard cake can be used in vermicomposting to improve the quality of the compost by giving the earthworms nutrients. A volumetric rate of 5% to 10% is advised.
In conclusion, mustard cake is a fantastic organic fertiliser that enhances soil fertility while supplying necessary nutrients. It is a useful complement to any organic agricultural system due to its natural insecticide capabilities and capacity to increase soil microbial activity. When used correctly, mustard cake can encourage strong plant development and boost crop yields.
Keep in mind:
Never forget to fully wash your hands with soap after using it. Moreover, refrain from touching your eyes after handling mustard cake powder because it can irritate them.
