Neem seed cake—the organic residue left after cold-pressing neem kernels for neem oil—is one of the most versatile organic inputs in agribusiness. It contains key plant nutrients (NPK) along with organic carbon, but its most prized quality lies in its rich content of nortriterpenoids, primarily azadirachtin.
When mixed into the soil, neem cake is absorbed by plant roots, making the plant systemic-repellent to pests. It specifically targets root-knot nematodes, termites, and white grubs, without harming earthworms or beneficial soil bacteria. Additionally, it slows down the nitrification process of other nitrogenous fertilizers, ensuring a steady, long-term nitrogen supply to crops.