OrganicN ~4-5%, P ~1-2%, K ~1%Updated 3 August 2026

Mustard Cake

A fast-release organic nitrogen source from pressed mustard seed — reached for when a vegetable crop needs a push, not a slow build.

Composition: N ~4-5%, P ~1-2%, K ~1%
Form: Golden-brown cake / powder
Price: Moderate-high
Best for: Fast organic N for vegetables

Overview

Mustard cake is what remains after mustard seed is pressed for oil. It carries roughly 4–5% nitrogen with a little phosphorus and potassium, and unlike most organic inputs it releases that nitrogen relatively quickly — closer to a fast top-dressing than a slow soil-builder.

It can be worked into the soil dry or fermented in water to make a foliar and soil-drench liquid. Because it competes with the animal-feed market for supply, it is one of the pricier organic nitrogen sources, so growers use it as a targeted boost rather than the bulk of a fertility programme.

What it is and when to reach for it

A fast-releasing organic nitrogen source — reach for it when a vegetable crop needs a visible push, not for slow, season-long soil building.
It also supplies a little phosphorus and potassium, but growers reach for it mainly for the nitrogen.
It doubles as livestock and fish feed, so its price tracks the feed market rather than the fertiliser market.

How to use it well

Work 100–200 kg/acre into the soil, or apply around the base of vegetable plants and hoe it in.
Split the dose — part at planting, part as a top-dressing three to four weeks later — since its nitrogen comes fast.
Ferment 1 kg of crushed cake in 10 litres of water for about a week for a liquid foliar feed, then dilute several times before spraying.

Common mistakes

Applying the fermented liquid undiluted — the raw ferment is strong enough to scorch leaves and roots.
Relying on it alone for long-term soil health — it feeds a crop quickly but builds soil less than compost, FYM or green manure.
Skipping phosphorus where the crop needs more than mustard cake’s modest 1–2% can supply — pair it with bone meal.

Crops it is used on

Open a crop for its full nutrient schedule.

Guides

Long-form guides on this fertiliser, with the rates and timings worked out.

A pile of small dark mustard seeds spilling from a spoon

Mustard Cake: A Quick-Release Organic Nitrogen for Vegetables

Mustard cake is the residue left after mustard oil is pressed — a fast-acting organic nitrogen source vegetable growers reach for when a crop needs a push. Here is how to apply it dry, how to ferment it into a foliar feed, and what it costs you.

Technical Kisan Editorial25 July 20262 min read

Common questions

How much mustard cake per acre?

Roughly 100–200 kg per acre worked into the soil for a field crop, or applied around vegetables. Because it releases nitrogen relatively quickly for an organic input, split it — some at planting, some as a top-dressing — rather than applying it all at once.

How do I make mustard cake liquid fertiliser?

Soak about 1 kg of crushed cake in 10 litres of water, cover loosely and let it ferment for a week or so, stirring daily. Filter, then dilute the liquid several times before using it as a foliar or soil drench. Never apply it undiluted — the raw ferment can scorch leaves and roots.

Is mustard cake better than neem cake?

Different jobs. Mustard cake releases nitrogen faster, so it suits a crop that needs a quick push. Neem cake is slower and also suppresses nematodes. Many growers use both — mustard cake for a boost, neem cake to build the soil and hold pests down.

Composition and doses follow ICAR / Soil Health Card guidance; prices are the notified subsidised rates for the season shown and are guidance, not a quote. A soil test for your field always beats a general rate. See our editorial policy.