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Neem cake, a product made from the seeds of the neem tree, has many benefits for plants: 

Fertilizer

Neem cake is rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and micronutrients, and it releases them slowly throughout the growing season. It can be used as a manure to improve soil texture, water-holding capacity, and aeration, which helps roots develop. Neem cake can also increase the organic matter content of soil and make it more fertile by inhibiting nitrification, which prevents soil bacteria from converting nitrogenous compounds into nitrogen gas. 

Pest control

Neem cake’s residual oil and limonoids repel insects, and it can also control soil-borne pests like nematodes and termites. 

Disease Prevention

Neem cake can protect plants from root-borne and soil-borne diseases like fungus. 

Soil alkalinity reduction

Neem cake produces organic acids when it decomposes, which helps reduce soil alkalinity. 

Neem cake is safe to use because it’s free of heavy metals and compatible with soil microbes. However, you should avoid using too much neem cake, as it can cause nutrient imbalances or salt buildup in the soil, and you should also avoid applying it directly to the stems, leaves, or flowers of your plants, as it may damage them. 

How to use:

• When preparing potting soil

Mix 25 grams of neem cake powder into the soil 10–14 days before planting. 

• Around plant roots

For established plants, apply 25 grams of neem cake powder around the roots and mix it well into the soil. You can also sprinkle the powder around the base of the plant and work it in with a rake or cultivator. 

• After applying

Water the plants immediately after applying the powder to help the nutrients and pest-repellent properties soak in. Repeat every 10–15 days during the growing season. 

Neem cake powder can also be used as a foliar spray to deter pests and diseases. To make a spray, you can: 

1. Soak 100 grams of neem cake in a muslin pouch in one litre of water overnight 
2. Filter the mixture and add one millilitre of emulsifier per litre of water 
3. Spray the diluted neem powder on the leaves of the plants 

Neem cake powder can help boost a plant’s immune system and control nematodes, root knots, and citrus nematodes. However, using more than the recommended amount of neem cake powder may kill the plant.