Back U. R. Sangakkara
Department of Crop Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Full Paper (PDF File: 186KB)
Abstract
The influence of Effective Microorganisms (EM) for increasing crop yields
is widely reported. Thus, an experiment was conducted to determine the
effect of EM 4 on growth and yield, nodulation, and nitrogen and potassium
levels in the rhizosphere of bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) a popular
vegetable in the tropics. EM was used in conjunction with three organic
materials having different C:N ratios and in the presence or absence of
inorganic fertilizer. EM had no significant effect on plant growth in the
chemically-fertilized plots. In contrast, growth, yield and nodulation
of plants grown in the presence of organic amendments, especially those
with low C:N ratios, were enhanced by EM. The nitrogen and potassium levels
in the rhizosphere were also significantly increased; these results could
account for the higher crop yields that are often reported when organic
systems are inoculated with EM. The results are presented in terms of the
benefits derived from the use of EM in enhancing soil fertility and crop
nutrition in organic agriculture.