Description

ADK Neem Cake Powder 10KG is a premium soil amendment and organic fertiliser made from the residue left after cold-pressing neem seeds for oil. Rich in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals, neem cake powder improves soil structure, feeds beneficial soil microbes, and provides long-lasting protection against soil-borne pests and pathogens. It is trusted by organic farmers, vegetable growers, and horticulturalists across India as a cornerstone of sustainable soil management.

What Pests and Pathogens Does Neem Cake Powder Control?

Neem cake contains residual azadirachtin and other neem actives that remain bioavailable in the soil for weeks after application. These compounds specifically target soil-dwelling pests that attack plant root systems:

• White grubs (chafer beetles) — Major root feeders in vegetable and turf soils
• Root mealybugs — Destroy root systems of potted plants and nursery crops
• Soil nematodes — Microscopic worms that stunt growth in tomatoes, peppers, and cucurbits
• Fungus gnats — Larvae feed on roots of potted and nursery plants
• Cutworms and armyworms — Soil-surface larvae that sever seedlings at the base
• Termites — Incorporated neem cake deters termite colonisation near root zones

Beyond pest control, neem cake also suppresses soil-borne fungal pathogens including Fusarium, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia that cause root rot and damping-off in seedlings.

Nutrient Profile and Soil Benefits

Neem cake powder is a balanced slow-release organic fertiliser. Its typical nutrient composition includes nitrogen (N) at 5–6%, phosphorus (P₂O₅) at 1–2%, and potassium (K₂O) at 1–2%, along with calcium, magnesium, sulphur, and a full range of trace micronutrients. Unlike synthetic fertilisers, neem cake releases nutrients slowly over several weeks, preventing nutrient burn and reducing the risk of over-fertilisation.

Regular incorporation of neem cake powder increases soil organic carbon, improves water retention in sandy soils, enhances drainage in clay soils, and stimulates populations of beneficial bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi that improve root health and nutrient uptake.

How to Use Neem Cake Powder

Neem cake powder can be applied in several ways depending on your crop type and soil condition:

• Soil incorporation (pre-planting): Mix 200–300 grams per square metre into the top 15 cm of soil at least 2 weeks before sowing or transplanting. This pre-conditioning kills soil pests and enriches the growing medium before seeds or seedlings are placed.
• Top dressing (established plants): Apply 50–100 grams per plant around the drip line of the canopy. Water thoroughly after application. Repeat every 30–45 days during the growing season.
• Potted plants: Mix 10–15% neem cake powder by volume into potting mix. For established pots, top-dress with 1–2 tablespoons per pot monthly and water in well.
• Nursery beds: Incorporate at 500 grams per square metre for intensive nursery protection against damping-off and root pests.
• Agricultural fields: Apply 200–500 kg per hectare during land preparation, depending on pest pressure and soil organic matter level.

Application Rate Summary

• Kitchen garden / raised beds: 200 g per sq m (pre-planting)
• Established vegetable crops: 50–100 g per plant, every 4–6 weeks
• Fruit trees: 500 g–1 kg per tree, twice a season
• Potted plants: 1–2 tablespoons per pot, monthly
• Agricultural fields: 200–500 kg per hectare

Benefits of ADK Neem Cake Powder 10KG

• Dual action — fertiliser and pesticide: Feeds the soil while simultaneously protecting against root pests. Replaces both a slow-release fertiliser and a soil insecticide.
• Long-lasting protection: Neem actives remain active in the soil for 4–8 weeks per application, providing sustained root-zone protection without repeated treatments.
• Improves soil microbiology: Stimulates beneficial bacteria and suppresses harmful pathogens, building long-term soil health with every application.
• Safe for earthworms: Unlike synthetic soil insecticides, neem cake does not harm earthworms or other beneficial soil fauna.
• NPOP and organic farming approved: Suitable for use in certified organic farming systems under Indian organic standards.
• Cost-effective at 10KG pack size: The 10KG pack provides enough product for approximately 50 square metres of garden bed or 200+ established vegetable plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use neem cake powder and neem oil spray together?
Yes, and this is the recommended approach for comprehensive organic pest management. Neem cake controls soil-dwelling root pests, while neem oil spray manages foliar pests and fungal diseases above ground. Together they provide whole-plant protection. See our seasonal spray guide for tomatoes.

Does neem cake powder smell?
Neem cake has a distinctive strong smell similar to neem oil. The odour dissipates after incorporation into soil and watering. It is not unpleasant in an open garden environment.

Can neem cake burn plants?
Neem cake is very gentle and unlikely to cause fertiliser burn at recommended doses. However, as with all nitrogen-containing fertilisers, avoid direct contact with plant stems or roots when applying at high concentrations. Always water in well after application.

How much area does 10KG cover?
At 200 g per square metre pre-planting dose, 10 kg covers 50 square metres. At top-dressing dose (100 g per plant), 10 kg treats approximately 100 established plants.

Complete your organic programme with Nimboli Neem Oil 500ml for foliar pest control, or Nimboli 1L for larger gardens. Also available as a 5KG pack for smaller spaces. Learn more about how azadirachtin works in the soil.