De-Oiled Castor Meal (Doc)

Castor De-Oiled Cake (DOC)â??also commercially traded as Castor Meal or Solvent-Extracted Castor Cakeâ??is the solid, protein-rich residue obtained after solvent extraction of castor oil from expeller-pressed castor cake (Ricinus communis). Because the solvent extraction process removes nearly all residual lipids (oil content < 1.0%), it leaves behind a concentrated, slow-release organic matrix rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter.
Key Functional CharacteristicsSlow-Release Organic N-P-K: Decomposes steadily via soil microflora, preventing leaching losses of nitrogen and providing sustained nutrition over 3 to 6 months. Natural Nematicidal Properties: Contains natural phytochemical constituents (including trace residual ricin/ricinine alkaloids) that act as an organic deterrent against root-knot nematodes, termites, and soil-borne grubs.Soil Conditioner & Microbial Host: Increases soil water retention, aeration, and humic matter while serving as an organic substrate for beneficial fungi (such as Trichoderma) and bio-fertilizers. High GCV Fuel Alternative: Its energy density makes it an economical solid biomass fuel for industrial boilers and brick kilns.Primary ApplicationsOrganic Bio-Fertilizer & Soil Amendments: Used extensively as a basal fertilizer and soil conditioner for cash crops (sugarcane, cotton, groundnut, tea, coffee, tobacco, and fruits/vegetables). Raw Material for Formulated Bio-Pesticides / Bio-Manures: Acts as the primary organic carrier base for granular NPK blends and enriched organic composts.Industrial Fuel (Biomass): Pelletized or bulk meal used as an alternate boiler fuel due to high calorific value. Animal Feed Limitation: Standard Castor DOC cannot be fed directly to livestock due to the presence of the toxic glycoprotein ricin and allergen complexes. It requires thermal/chemical detoxification before any animal feed incorporation.