Castor Cake

Castor cake (also known as castor oil cake or castor khali) is a highly effective, nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer and natural soil protectant. It is the solid byproduct left behind after extracting oil from castor seeds (Ricinus communis) via expeller crushing or steam extraction. In agriculture, it serves a unique dual purpose: it acts as a balanced natural manure while simultaneously serving as a bio-pesticide to shield crops from underground pests.

• Balanced NPK Profile: Castor cake typically contains 4% to 5.5% Nitrogen, 1% to 2% Phosphorus, and 1% to 1.5% Potassium, along with vital trace elements like zinc, copper, and manganese.
• Natural Bio-Pesticide: It contains natural phytochemicals (including residual ricin compounds) that act as an exceptional shield against soil-borne pests like nematodes, termites, white ants, and grubs.
• Boosts Organic Carbon: Composed of 55% to 85% organic matter, it drastically increases soil humus, enhances water retention capacity, and prevents nutrient leaching.
• Simulates Earthworms & Beneficial Microbes: The slow decomposition process promotes the propagation of benign soil microbes and increases the earthworm population.

• Basal Manure: Widely applied during land preparation for field crops, sugarcane, cotton, and rice to build up soil fertility early on.
• Horticulture & Fruits: Regularly used for fruit trees (like citrus and mango) to increase the shininess, color, and sugar content of the harvest.
• Vegetables & Kitchen Gardens: Ideal for heavy-feeding vegetable crops like tomatoes, chillies, and potatoes to satisfy their continuous nitrogen demands.

• Soil Incorporation: For field crops, the standard dosage ranges between 100 kg to 200 kg per acre. For home gardening, mix 25 g to 30 g thoroughly into a standard 12-inch pot.
• Apply and Cover: Always work castor cake deep into the topsoil and cover it immediately. Leaving it exposed on the surface can cause it to develop a strong odor or attract mold.
• Pet Safety Warning: Raw castor seeds contain ricin, making castor cake toxic if consumed. Ensure it is well-buried beneath the soil and kept entirely out of reach of domestic pets and cattle.