How technically Jeevamrutham works ?

Excellent scientific question! Let’s explore how the three gases produced during Jeevamrutham fermentation — methane (CH₄), ammonia (NH₃), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) — interact with plants and soil:
🧪 These gases are byproducts of microbial activity, not directly made for plants — but they do have indirect roles:
1. 🌫️ Methane (CH₄)
Aspect
Details
Source
Anaerobic microbes break down organic matter without oxygen.
Role in plants
❌ Plants do not use methane directly.
Soil impact
In low-oxygen soils, excess methane indicates unhealthy microbial balance.
Risk
Too much methane = anaerobic, suffocating soil, weak root growth.
Indirect benefit
Small amounts show active decomposition; supports methane-consuming bacteria, which balance soil gases.
2. 💨 Ammonia (NH₃)
Aspect
Details
Source
From urea/cow urine breakdown, protein decomposition by bacteria.
Role in plants
✅ Ammonia converts to ammonium (NH₄⁺) in moist soil — which plants can absorb as nitrogen.
Soil impact
Helps build green leafy growth (like spinach, coriander, etc.).
Risk
If ammonia is too high, it can burn roots or turn soil alkaline.
Tip
Moist soil + balanced microbes = ammonia safely converted into usable plant food.
3. 💀 Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)
Aspect
Details
Source
Anaerobic bacteria break down sulfur in organic matter.
Role in plants
❌ Toxic to roots in high amounts.
Soil impact
Even low levels harm root respiration. Causes rotten egg smell.
Risk
Indicates oxygen starvation in soil.
Good sign?
🚫 No — H₂S is a sign to reduce watering or improve soil aeration.
🧪 Summary Table: Gas Behavior in Soil
Gas
Useful to Plant?
When Beneficial
When Harmful
Methane (CH₄)
❌ No
In tiny amounts, shows microbial activity
Excess = anaerobic, poor roots
Ammonia (NH₃)
✅ Yes (converted to NH₄⁺)
Provides nitrogen
In excess = root burn, smell, pests
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
❌ No
None
Damages roots, smells bad, anaerobic zone
💡 How to Handle These Gases in Jeevamrutham Use:
Tip
Benefit
Always apply on moist but not wet soil
Prevents anaerobic pockets and root damage
Stir and ferment Jeevamrutham only 2–3 days
Prevents overproduction of gases
Use in small doses (5–10 L/bed)
Gives microbial benefit without gas overload
Loosen soil if smell is strong after application
Releases trapped gases, saves roots
 

How Ammonia converts into NH4+:

Great question! Here’s a technical explanation of how ammonia (NH₃) gets converted into forms that plants can absorb — mainly ammonium (NH₄⁺) — in the soil.

🧪 Step-by-Step: How Ammonia Works in Soil

🟢 1. Ammonia Formation (NH₃)

  • Ammonia is released into the soil from:
    • Cow urine (urea → NH₃ via urease enzyme)
    • Organic matter decomposition
    • Jeevamrutham fermentation

🔁 2. Ammonia to Ammonium Conversion

  • In the presence of moisture and slightly acidic soil, ammonia gas (NH₃) dissolves into water and forms:

NH₃ (ammonia)+H⁺ (from water)→NH₄⁺ (ammonium ion)\text{NH₃ (ammonia)} + \text{H⁺ (from water)} → \text{NH₄⁺ (ammonium ion)}

✅ NH₄⁺ = Plant-usable form

  • This ammonium ion is stable, non-volatile, and directly absorbed by plant roots.
  • Especially useful for leafy vegetables which need quick nitrogen for green growth.

🔁 BONUS: What Happens Next (Optional Advanced)

Process Reaction Notes
Nitrification NH₄⁺ → NO₂⁻ → NO₃⁻ Microbial conversion to nitrate (NO₃⁻), another plant-usable form
Immobilization NH₄⁺ → taken by microbes Happens when too much carbon (e.g. dry mulch) is present
Volatilization NH₃ gas escapes to air Happens if soil is dry, hot, or alkaline (waste of nitrogen)

📌 Key Factors That Help Ammonia Work for Plants:

Factor Ideal Range Why it Matters
Soil pH 6.0–7.5 Keeps NH₄⁺ stable and prevents gas loss
Moisture 50–70% field capacity Helps dissolve NH₃ into NH₄⁺
Temperature 20–30°C Supports microbial nitrogen cycling
Aeration Medium Encourages nitrifying bacteria without drying out soil

🧠 Summary:

  • Ammonia (NH₃) is not directly taken by plants.
  • It must first react with water and H⁺ ions to form ammonium (NH₄⁺).
  • NH₄⁺ is safe, stable, and readily absorbed by plant roots.

Would you like a simple flowchart or visual to show this ammonia-to-ammonium-to-nitrate conversion cycle?

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