History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s3.t2.11

v1.c24.s3.t2.11

The prescription about the treatment of seeds is not without some scientific basis. If the seeds are soaked in any solution, the decayed ones will float and can easily be detected and discarded. The application of cowdung, honey, butter, etc., would protect it from insects and diseases. The cowdung, being hygroscopic and containing potassium, nitrogen and phosphates and also microbes, is expected to help germination.