Effective Microorganisms Reduce the Chemical Fertilizer Need in Fodder Cultivation in Sri Lanka

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of integrating reduced levels of chemical fertilizers with effective microorganisms (EM) as a sustainable alternative to sole reliance on recommended chemical fertilizers. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the growth and yield performances, nutritional value and economic parameters of premier fodder varieties grown with reduced inorganic fertilizer with EM.
Research Method: The experiment was carried out in a 2x4 factorial layout in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Selected commercially available EM was assigned with 50% recommended level of inorganic fertilizer (RLIF), and 100% RLIF was considered as the control. Four fodder varities; Napier (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum) cv Pakchong-1, Red Napier, Fodder Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) var. Sugargraze and Fodder Maize (Zea mays) var. Weera were grown under recommended management practices. At the time of harvest, growth and yield parameters were recorded, Brix value was measured and nutrient contents were analyzed.
Findings and Values: There was no significant interaction (P>0.05) between fodder and fertilizer for growth and yield parameters. Further dry matter percentage, Brix value and other nutritive parameters were not significant between two treatments (P>0.05). The study concludes that the reduction of inorganic fertilizer up to 50% does not affect the yield, growth and nutritive parameters compared with 100% application in studied fodder varieties. Thus, the usage of EM can be recommended to reduce the heavy dependency on inorganic fertilizers.