Castor De-Oiled Cake (Castor Meal)

Manufactured & Supplied by Nova Industries

Nova Industries maintains a “Zero-Waste” manufacturing philosophy. After the exhaustive extraction of oil via our Expellers and Solvent Extraction Plant, the remaining solid biomass is processed into Castor De-Oiled Cake (also known as Castor Meal).¹

Unlike synthetic fertilizers that deplete soil health over time, our Castor Meal is a premium, 100% natural organic fertilizer. It provides a balanced profile of macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients, making it a critical input for organic farming and horticulture.

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1. Chemical Composition & Nutritional Profile

Castor Meal is classified as a nitrogen-rich organic manure. The protein content varies depending on the degree of decortication (hull removal) during the oil extraction process.

Typical Analysis (Dry Basis):

Parameter	Specification	Function
Nitrogen (N)	4.5% – 6.0%	Promotes vegetative growth and leaf development.
Phosphorus ($P_2O_5$)	1.5% – 2.0%	Critical for root development and energy transfer.
Potassium ($K_2O$)	1.0% – 1.5%	Enhances disease resistance and water regulation.
Organic Matter	80% – 85%	Improves soil structure and carbon content.
Moisture	10% – 12% Max	Ensures shelf stability during storage.
Residual Oil	< 0.7%	Minimal oil retention (Solvent Extracted Grade).

Note: Also contains essential micronutrients including Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur, Zinc, Copper, and Iron.

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2. Agronomic Advantages

A. Slow-Release Nitrogen Source

Synthetic urea releases nitrogen rapidly, often leading to leaching and groundwater pollution.² Castor Meal is a Slow-Release Fertilizer.³ The complex protein chains break down gradually via microbial activity in the soil, providing a steady supply of nitrogen to the crop over the entire growing season. This prevents “nutrient burn” and ensures sustained growth.

B. Natural Nematocidal Properties

One of the unique value propositions of Nova Industries’ Castor Meal is its ability to protect crops from soil-borne pests.⁴

• Mechanism: The meal contains traces of Ricin and specific alkaloids.⁵ While these are toxic if ingested, when incorporated into the soil, they act as a potent natural deterrent against harmful Nematodes (root-knot nematodes) and termites.
• Benefit: Reduces the need for synthetic pesticides and protects the root systems of high-value crops like Turmeric, Ginger, and Sugarcane.

C. Soil Conditioning

• Humus Formation: The high organic matter content (biomass) decomposes to form humus, which improves soil aeration and water-holding capacity.⁶
• Microbial Boost: It acts as a substrate for beneficial soil bacteria, enhancing the biological fertility of the land.⁷

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3. Recommended Applications

Target Crops:

Castor Meal is extensively used for long-duration and cash crops, including:

• Field Crops: Sugarcane, Maize, Wheat, Cotton.
• Horticulture: Banana, Potato, Tomato, Chili.
• Plantations: Tea, Coffee, Cardamom.⁸

Application Method:

It serves as a basal fertilizer. For optimal results, it should be incorporated into the soil 2-3 weeks before sowing to allow the preliminary decomposition to begin.

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4. Industrial Application: Renewable Fuel

Beyond agriculture, Nova Industries supplies Castor Meal as a high-efficiency biomass fuel for industrial boilers.⁹

• Calorific Value: Approximately 4,000 – 4,200 Kcal/kg.¹⁰
• Advantages: It is a renewable energy source with a calorific value comparable to certain grades of coal and wood pellets. It is often cost-competitive compared to Soy Meal or Rapeseed Meal biomass.
• Usage: Used in thermal power plants and industrial furnaces requiring consistent solid fuel.

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5. Toxicity & Safety Warning (Handling Protocols)

Important Note: While Castor Meal is an exceptional fertilizer, it contains Ricin, a toxic protein, and potent allergens.¹¹

• NOT ANIMAL FEED: Unlike Soybean or Groundnut cake, Castor Meal is strictly non-edible and must never be used as fodder for cattle, poultry, or other livestock. Ingestion can be fatal to animals.¹²
• Detoxification: While methods exist to detoxify the meal (using lime, ammonia, or steam treatment) to make it safe for feed, Nova Industries primarily markets this product as Organic Fertilizer and Biomass Fuel.

Nova Industries’ Safety Guarantee:

We ensure that our packaging allows for zero cross-contamination. Our bags are clearly marked to prevent accidental misuse as animal feed.

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6. Supply & Packaging

Nova Industries exports Castor De-Oiled Cake to global markets, ensuring the product remains dry and free-flowing.

• Forms Available: Powder / Flakes.
• Packaging: 50 Kg HDPE Bags / Jumbo Bags (1 Ton).
• Shipping: Available in bulk container loads.

Contact Us for Bulk Quotations:

Nova Industries

Website: https://novaind.in/