CASTOR SEED MEAL
Castor seed meal is the residue you get after extracting the oil from castor beans. It is also called castor meal and castor residue. Castor seed meal is a rich source of Nitrogen, potash, and protein. Since it contains the essential nutrients for a plant, it can be used as a natural fertilizer. Moreover, it’s one of the most important natural manure that can enhance the soil's fertility without causing any damage.
| COMPONENTS | COMPONENT PERCENTAGE |
|---|---|
| Oil | 0.5 % - 1.0 % |
| Bulk Density | 0.55 % - 0.60 % |
| Gross Calorific Value | 4000 - 4200 |
| Nitrogen | 4.5 % - 5.0 % |
| Phosphorous | 2.0 % |
| Potash | 1.0 % |
| Moisture | 9 % - 12 % |
Benefits
- Since castor seed meal is a great source of Nitrogen, it can supply more Nitrogen to the soil. It maintains the pH value of the soil and enhances its fertility.
- It can provide long-term nourishment for the soil and protects it from nematodes and insects.
- You can combine castor seed meal with other fertilizers to make a custom mix. For instance, you can mix it with neem oil cake to give better results for the soil’s fertility.
Applications
There is a procedure for using the castor seed meal for your plants. The following guidelines can help you in that regard:
Leave a three-inch gap from the stem of the plant and start digging the trench around it; the trench has to be approximately 2 inches deep. Spread the castor seed meal uniformly and cover the trench with soil. Now, water the plant until some amount of water comes out of the drain holes.
Castor Oil
It is a vegetable oil that’s extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. It contains Vitamin E, protein, and Omega 6 fats. It is a great supplement for beautiful hair and flawless skin. It has a number of medicinal, pharmaceutical, and industrial properties. Castor oil is an age-old remedy that can solve most of the skin and hair problems.
PROPERTIES/SPECS
| COMPONENTS | COMPONENT PERCENTAGE |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellowish viscous liquid |
| F.F.A. (as oleic) | 2.00 % Max |
| Iodine value (Wijs) | 82 – 90 |
| Acid value | 4.00 Max |
| Saponification value | 177 - 185 |
| Hydroxyl value | 158 - 163 |
| Unsaponifiable matter | 0.70 % Max |
Benefits
- Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid (monosaturated fatty acid) and acts as a humectant to prevent water loss in the outer layer of the skin.
- Everyone likes glossy and bouncy hair. The essential fatty acids in castor oil can restore your hair's nourishment.
- It contains natural laxative properties. When you consume castor oil, it breaks down in the small intestine, releases ricinoleic acid, and stimulates a strong laxative effect.
- You can utilize castor oil as an alternative to store-bought moisturizers. In fact, manufacturers use castor oil as an ingredient in lotions and cleansers. You can even use it to treat eye irritation, constipation, and skin ailments.
Applications
- To use castor oil as a moisturizer, apply it directly on your face using a cotton ball.
- If you want to use castor oil for your hair growth, apply a few drops on your scalp and massage it for at least 10 minutes.
- In adults, 15 milliliters of castor oil can be consumed by mouth to treat constipation. You can mix it into a full glass of fruit juice to mask the unpleasant smell of the oil.