EFFECT OF DIFFERENT ORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF POTTED Cucumis anguria L. (var. Chandini): Organic Fertilizers on Cucumis anguria L.

Abstract

The extensive application of chemical fertilizers has raised serious concerns regarding their impact on agricultural sustainability. In response, organic fertilizers have gained importance as a sustainable alternative, enhancing soil health, boosting crop productivity, and promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices. This study evaluated the effects of various organic fertilizers on growth and yield of Cucumis anguria L. (var. Chandini) through a pot experiment conducted at University Farm, Eastern University of Sri Lanka, from July to September 2024. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 12 treatments and five replicates. The treatments included: T1 (Amirthakaraisal), T2 (Jeewamrutha), T3 (Modified Panchagavya), T4 (Fish Tonic), T5 (Kunapajala), T6 (Sasyagavya), T7 (Compost), T8 (Discovery), T9 (Vegi Super), T10 (Cocoly), T11 (Maxicrop), and T12 (Control). Growth and yield parameters were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA in MINITAB 17. The results revealed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in plants treated with T10, which exhibited superior performance in vine length (38.33%), number of leaves (40.3%), number of branches (65.91%), chlorophyll content (32.65%), leaf area (84.31%), shoot fresh (61.6%) and dry (67.87%) weights, root fresh (68.94%) and dry (70.38%) weights, root length (38.8%), number of pods per vine (73.74%), yield per vine (69.63%) and total yield (69.63%), achieving the highest net profit of Rs. 405,758.14/ha compared to T12. Based on these findings, the use of Cocoly fertilizer is highly recommended for farmers, as it significantly enhances the growth and yield of Cucumis anguria L. and offers a profitable option for sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation in the dry zone of Sri Lanka.