EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF Nigella sativa AS AN EFFECTIVE BIO-PESTICIDE AND SOIL AMENDMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
The use of artificial chemicals in agriculture has degraded the environment, reduced soil fertility, and increasedpest resistance. Finding sustainable solutions has become necessary. The study examines the use of Nigella sativatoenhance soil and manage pests, highlighting its effectiveness against Tuta absoluta. In a controlled experiment, 92%of the pests were killed with kalonji powder, compared to 12% in the control group. The results were statisticallysignificant (p<0.05). It enhanced soil fertility by neutralising pH levels and increasing carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, alongside microbial activity. To examine the kalonji powder, we employed methods such as gaschromatography, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Among the substancesidentified in this study were thymoquinone, alkaloids, and essential oils. Furthermore, the powder's structure allowsthese compounds to be released into the soil gradually. These findings suggest that Nigella sativa can be usedinagriculture to reduce insect populations and enhance soil health. This study integrates current farming methods withan understanding of plant chemistry that plant-based substitutes for synthetic compounds, such as kalonji powder, could be employed. The study offers a more ecologically friendly agricultural method that lessens the effects of farming by promoting insect control and enhancing soil health. The findings contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture by providing a scientifically validated plant-based alternative to synthetic agrochemicals, offering a foundation for future research on eco-friendly pest management and soil restoration strategies. This studydirectly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-2: Zero Hunger by promotingsustainable agricultural practices that improve soil productivity, reduce chemical dependency, and enhance longterm food security.
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