Authors:

Abstract

Since identification of sustainable and cost effective organic input is vital, an experiment was carried out at Crop Farm, Eastern University Sri Lanka, Vantharumoolai from May to August 2010 to investigate the effect of liquid organic mixture (Jeetvamirta) on growth and yield of maize (cv. Pacific 984). The experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates. Different application frequencies of Jeewamirta were considered as treatments and treatments were defined as follows; T1- once a week application, T2- once in two weeks application, T3- once in three weeks application and T4- as control plot. Measurements viz. leaf area and plant biomass were taken at two weeks interval and data were analyzed statistically. The results revealed that there were significant (p<0.05) differences in leaf area and plant biomass. Highest leaf area and biomass were produced by plants belong to T1, during reproductive and maturity stages. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in the grain yield and its components. Highest yield was obtained in T1, followed by T2 and lowest grain yield was obtained from control treatment. The results indicated that application of Jeewamirta once a week could be a viable technique to increase maize production.

AGRIEAST 2010 (9) p.11-16

Keywords: Cow dung, fertilizer, maize