Karanja Seed Meal (Ecocert organic)(slow release nitrogen)

Karanja Seed Meal (Ecocert organic, slow release nitrogen)

Karanja Seed Meal is the pressed cake of karanja (Pongamia) seed, an Ecocert organic slow release nitrogen fertiliser with 3.85% nitrogen. Growers use it in garden soils and potting mixes as an alternative to neem seed meal.

At a glance

• Type: single input amendment (pressed karanja seed cake)
• Supplier certificate on file: Ecocert certificate. See the certificate and its dates.
• Analysis: 3.85% nitrogen, 2.2% phosphorus as P₂O₅ (0.95% elemental P), 1.2% potassium as K₂O (0.96% elemental K), 1.25% calcium, 0.78% magnesium; 3.5% residual oil; karanjin 1050 mg/kg
• Use for: slow release nitrogen in soil mixes, beds and top dressing
• Rate: 1.8 kg (3 litres) per cubic metre of media, or 90 g (150 ml) per 50 litres
• Certification: Ecocert organic

What it is

Karanja Seed Meal is what is left after the oil is pressed from karanja seed (Pongamia pinnata). The cake is a protein meal with about 3.5% oil still in it, so the nitrogen is released as soil microbes break the protein down.

The figures below are from the Sun Bionaturals certificate for the current batch (batch 2050824, manufactured August 2024). The earlier 2021 batch read 8.1% nitrogen; this batch reads 3.85%, so the nitrogen rates below have been recalculated.

What it does

• Supplies nitrogen slowly for protein and chlorophyll: steady leaf and stem growth rather than a spike.
• Brings a little phosphorus and potassium with the nitrogen.
• Used by growers as a neem seed meal alternative in soil mixes.

Analysis

NPK = 3.85 - 2.2 - 1.2 (N, P₂O₅, K₂O); elemental 3.85 - 0.95 - 0.96

• Nitrogen (N): 3.85%
• Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 2.18%
• Phosphorus (P, elemental): 0.95%
• Potassium (K₂O): 1.16%
• Potassium (K, elemental): 0.96%
• Calcium (Ca): 1.25%
• Magnesium (Mg): 0.78%
• Sodium (Na): 132 mg/kg
• Copper (Cu): 10 mg/kg
• Karanjin: 1050 mg/kg
• Residual oil: 3.5%
• Moisture: 7.8%
• pH: 5.5

How to use

• Modified media or potting soil: 1.8 kg (3 litres) per cubic metre.
• Smaller batches: 90 g (150 ml) per 50 litres of media.
• Soil top dress or incorporation: 40 g (70 ml) per square metre.
• Heavy feeder nitrogen target of 150 ppm (about 336 kg of nitrogen per hectare): 816 g per square metre of bed, 5445 g per cubic metre of media, or 271 g per 50 litres.
• Every organic nitrogen input needs time and soil life to release. Mix it in ahead of planting rather than expecting a quick fix.

Learn more in fifteen seconds

• Nitrogen: what it does
• Nitrogen for the whole crop
• Carbon decides when N shows up

Handling and storage

• Wear a mask to avoid inhaling particles and open in a well ventilated area.
• Wear gloves and eye protection, and wash hands after use.
• Once opened, keep sealed and dry.