Influence of liquid organic fertilizer on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Since identification of sustainable and cost effective organic input is vital, an experiment was carried out at ,Crop Farm, Eastern (Jniversity Sri Lanka, Vantharumoolai from May to August 2010 to investigate the effect of liquid organic mixture (Jeetvamirta) on growth andyield of maize (cv. Pacific 984). The experimental design was randontizecl complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates. Diffelent application frequencies of Jeewamirta were considered as treatments and treatments were defined as follows; Tl-once a week application, T2-once in two weeks application, T3-once in three weeks application and T4-as control plot. Measurements viz. leaf iria and ptant biomass were taken at two weeks interval and data were analyzed statistically. The results revealed that there were significant (p{0.05) dffirences in leaf area and plant biomass. Highest leaf area and biontass were produced by plants belong to Tl, during reproductive and ntatttrity stages. Significant dffirences (p<0.05) were found in the grain yield and its components. Highest yield was obtained in TI, 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.