Abstract:
Organic farming is a sustainable agricultural system that enhances soil health,
biodiversity, and food quality by avoiding slmthetic chemicals and using natural
inputs like compost, vermiwash, and biological pest control. This study evaluated the
effects of vernicompost (VC) and vermiwash (VW) on the growth and yield of mung
bean (Vigna mungo) through a pot experiment in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. Three
mung bean varieties (M15, MI6, and MIMBT) were tested under different VC (25%,
50yo,75yo, I00oA) and VW (25o/o, 50o/o, 75o , 100%) concentrations, along with an
inorganic fertilizer- recommended by Depafiment of Agriculture, Sri Lanka and
untreated control. The experiment followed a completely randomized design (CRD)
with six treatments and five replicates. Growth and yield parameters were assessed,
and statistical analysis was conducted using Minitab 17 software. VC and application
VW significantly improved growth and yield parameters of mung bean varieties
compared to the control and chemical treatments (P<0.05). In VC application, the
highest plant height (52.10+0.57cm by MIMBT), number of leaves (19.80+1 by
MIMBT), and number of branches (5.00+0.00 by MI5, MI6 and MIMBT) werc
observedunder 100% WC. The lowest days to flowering (31.60 +l.I4by MI6) and
the highest number of pods per plant (11.00+1 .4by MIMBT) were also recorded under
I00% VC, showing significant differences fiom control and chemical application. In
VW application, the highest plant height (29.18+0.89 cm by MIA, number of leaves
(12.60+1.34 by MI6 and MIMBT), and number of branches (4.20+0.45 by MIMBT)
were observed under I00o ,75% VW. The lowest days to flowering (35.20+0.45 by
MI5) and the highest number of pods per plant (6.20+0.84 by MIMBT) were also
recorded under 100% VW showing signihcant differences from control and chemical
applications. There is a significant interaction effect of ferlilizer concentration and
variety on plant height, days to flowering, number of pods per plant and pod length.
Number of leaves, number of main branches and pod length mainly affected by only
fertrlizer concentration (P<0.05). Seeds per pod mainly affected by fertrhzer
concentration and variety effect only. These findings highlight the potential of
vernicompost and vermiwash as sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers for
improving mung bean growth and yield.
