Back U. R. Sangakkara and B. Marambe
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Full Paper (PDF File: 73KB)
Abstract
Effective Microorganism (EM) solutions have been proven to be very useful and effective in a diverse range of environments, both under field and plant house conditions. The beneficial role of these microbial solutions stems from the ability to break down organic matter, thereby providing plant nutrients, and enhancing soil physical and chemical properties. However, different systems adopt different methods of applying EM ranging from soil or foliar application to composting. But, the results of different methods of application could vary significantly. Thus, a field study evaluated different methods of applying EM on growth and yields of two important vegetables, namely frenchbeans and tomato, when grown with two types of organic matter.
Foliar application of EM on two occasions after planting produced the lowest yields. In contrast, applying EM to organic matter added to the field plus two foliar applications produced the highest yield. Yields obtained by the addition of organic matter composed at an external location with EM prior to field application along with two foliar applications were marginally lower. The yields produced by plants supplied with EM in other forms were intermediate to these treatments, irrespective of seasons. The study illustrated the benefits of in situ composting of organic matter with EM and foliar applications at important growth stages to maintain high yields of the selected vegetables.