Abstract:
The increased cost and ill effects on the environment and human being by using inorganic
fertilizers have directed attention towards the use of organic manures, recently. Demand for
organic agricultural products is rising in Sri Lanka due to attitude change of the people on health
and environmental aspects. The increased demand for organically grown products urges
scientists to disseminate knowledge to farmers. Maize is a popular coarse grain crop in Sri
Lanka, grown in the second highest extent of land next to rice. Maize has a demand in foreign
countries as it is used as a raw material in various industries. There is an increasing demand for
exporting organically grown products including maize in Sri Lanka. In this situation,
organically produced maize would gain more attraction from foreign consumers. Organic
manures such as compost, cowdung etc. provides many advantages; improving soil tilth,
aeration, water holding capacity and stimulating microorganisms in the soil that makes nutrients
readily available (Lal, 1997) for plant absorption. However, there seems to be little use of
organic manures island wide, and there is lack of knowledge on the effect of different manures
on crop production. More information in relation to the use of organic manures is needed to
educate the farmers. Hence, this research was carried out to evaluate the effects selected organic
sources on growth and yield of maize varieties in sandy regosols of Batticaloa district and to
select best manure for organic maize cultivation.
