Demonstration of growth improvement in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) by the use of organic fertilizers under saline conditions.

Abstract

Field experiment was performed with an objective to evaluate the effect of organic fertilizers viz., vermicompost and biogas slurry on various parameters of vegetative and reproductive growth of sunflower irrigated with different concentration of sea salt. Application of only biogas slurry or vermicompost enhanced the vegetative and reproductive yield of sunflower but the highest yield was recorded in combined treatment of the both. Hence this study revealed that application of biogas slurry and vermicompost could be undertaken to replace chemical fertilizers in organic farming for cultivation of sunflower.