Agriculture is an energy-intensive sector contributing significantly to greenhousegas emissions (GHGE). Implementing sustainable agronomic practices, such as biostimulant, can offer a promising pathway to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental burdens. This study explores the novel formulation of a biostimulant derived from stinging nettle and weed biomass, evaluating its efficacy in improving energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and economic viability in organic and conventional mustard (Brassica juncea) cultivation. A two-year field experiment (2020–21 and 2021–22) was conducted at Pantnagar, India, using a factorial randomized block design. Three formulations, stinging nettle-based (KJ1), common weed-based (KJ2), and a 50:50 blend of both (KJ3), applied at four different rates (500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 L ha⁻1). A treatment with recommended doses of fertilizer (RDF) as control. Among treatments, KJ1D3 demonstrated superior agronomic and environmental benefits, yielding the highest grain (1572.4 kg ha⁻1) and stalk biomass (4700.9 kg ha⁻1), comparable to RDF. KJ1D3 also exhibited optimal energy metrics, with the highest net energy gain (89,605 MJ ha⁻1), energy efficiency (9.19), and lowest energy input per unit yield (1.68 MJ kg⁻1). Similarly, lower climate impact intensity metrics (CIIMenergy, CIIMeconomics)was observed with biostimulant treatments. Life cycle assessment showed the lowest carbon footprint under KJ1D3 (0.059 kg CO₂-eq kg⁻1 grain), alongside the highest sustainability index (6.51). Economically, it yielded the highest net profit (USD 481.2 ha⁻1) and benefit-cost ratio (1.89). These results underscore the potential of biostimulant in promoting sustainable and energy-efficient agriculture, aligning with SDGs 2, 7, 12, and 13. Additionally, the study offers new insights into the use of indigenous plant extracts as nutrient supplements within organic farming systems.
Naik et al. (Wed,) studied this question.