Organic agri-waste based nutrient strategies for sustainable soybean (Glycine max L.) yield improvement in soybean–linseed rotation

The use of agricultural waste as a resource holds significant importance in sustainable agriculture. Agri-wastes such as farmyard manure, neem cake, vermiwash and cow urine not only help in recycling farm residues but also enrich soil fertility, reduce environmental pollution and minimise reliance on chemical fertilisers. These organic inputs improve nutrient cycling, enhance microbial activity and support long-term ecological stability, making them vital for soil health and sustainable crop production.Field experiments were conducted during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 cropping seasons at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, to evaluate the impact of integrated organic nutrient management and foliar applications on productivity, quality and soil health in a soybean–linseed cropping system. The experiment comprised 11 treatments, which included: full organic nutrient management (100% recommended dose of nitrogen from organic sources), different levels of partial organic substitution combined with foliar sprays vermiwash and cow urine, and a control. Results showed that the treatment with 100% recommended Norganic input recorded the highest grain yield, stover yield, oil and protein content and oil yield in soybean. Two treatments with partial organic substitution with foliar sprays followed closely, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining organic inputs with foliar applications. Soil analysis revealed positive correlations between yield and soil parameters such as organic carbon and microbial biomass, indicating improved soil quality under organic management. Overall, the findings confirm that integrating agricultural waste-based organic inputs with foliar bio-stimulants enhances crop performance, promotes soil fertility and supports the transition to sustainable farming systems. This approach provides a viable alternative to conventional chemical-based practices, particularly for resource-constrained farmers seeking cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions.