Exploring Silkworm Litter as a Liquid Manure: A Key to Boost Mulberry Growth and Productivity

Abstract

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is the primary food source for silkworm, Bombyx mori L. Mulberry growth and nutritional quality are critical for successful sericulture. With the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices particularly in rearing silkworms with chemical free mulberry leaves, the use of organic inputs has gained attention as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers. Silkworm litter, a by-product of silkworm rearing is rich in organic matter and essential nutrients, making it a potential resource for recycling into organic manure. This study explores the effectiveness of silkworm litter based liquid organic manure (SLLM) at different doses along with Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) in improving the growth, yield and nutritional quality of mulberry. The treatment RDF + Soil drenching of 250 l acre-1 of 20% SLLM at 10 Days after pruning (DAP) + Foliar spray of 150 l acre-1 of 10 % SLLM at 25 DAP (T9) recorded longest shoot length (89.36 cm and 133.28 cm), maximum shoots per plant (16.53 and 23.80), leaves per shoot (22.17 and 32.02), maximum leaf area (153.44 cm2 and 226.56 cm2) at 45 and 60 DAP, respectively and leaf yield (67.31 Tonnes ha-1 year-1). Leaf quality parameters such as total chlorophyll (2.37 mg g-1), crude protein (21.56 %) and carbohydrate content (20.26%) were also found superior in T9. This shows that SLLM being liquid manure contained nutrients in readily available form which has supplied the nutrients that are required for mulberry growth and development. Indicating enhanced mulberry growth, yield along with improved quality parameters.