Effects of Vermiwash on the Growth and Yield

of Green Gram (Vigna radiata) MI6

.
ABSTRACT

Green gram (Vigna radiata) cultivation in Sri Lanka heavily relies on inorganic fertilizers,
leading to environmental and health issues. Thus, alternatives are necessary. A field
experiment was conducted at the Adaptive Research Centre in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka, to
evaluate the effects of vermiwash on the growth and yield of the green gram variety MI6.
Vermiwash was prepared using cow dung, banana fruit waste, mold leaves, and red worms
(Eisenia fetida). Six treatments were established in a Randomized Complete Block Design
(RCBD), including controls such as no fertilizer (T1) and 100% recommended inorganic
fertilizer (T2). The remaining treatments combined half-doses of inorganic fertilizer with
varying concentrations of vermiwash as a foliar spray: 25% (T3), 50% (T4), 75% (T5), and
100% (T6). The prepared vermiwash had a pH of 7.63 and contained total available
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at 0.014%, 0.355%, and 1.500%, respectively. The
highest plant height, leaf area index, and number of branches were recorded in T5
(42.13±0.21 cm, 10.48±0.28, and 3.67±0.31, respectively), showing no significant difference
(P>0.05) from T2. The lowest days for 50% of flowering were observed in T5 (42±0). The
highest number of pods per plant, pod length, pod girth, seeds per pod, 100 seeds weight,
and total yield (27.17±0.78, 11.27±0.17, 2.29±0.02, 12±0.22, 7.18±0.10 g, and 212±1.49 g)
were observed in T5, significantly different (P<0.05) from T2. This study suggests reducing
inorganic fertilizer by half and combining it with 75% vermiwash (T5) for optimal growth and
yield.

Keywords: Green gram, Growth, Inorganic fertilizer, Vermiwash, Yield

1. INTRODUCTION

The green gram (Vigna radiata) is a crucial pulse crop in Sri Lanka, providing essential
protein for its vegetarian population [1]. It contains antioxidants that may lower the risk of
chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease [2]. In 2016, 2017, and 2018, Sri
Lanka produced 14,546, 9,392, and 9,856 metric tons of green gram, respectively [3]. The
Department of Agriculture (DoA) recommends the MI6 variety for cultivation in dry and
intermediate zones (Department of Agriculture Sri Lanka, 2023).
However, excessive use of inorganic fertilizers threatens the sustainability of
agroecosystems [4]. For the MI6 variety, the DoA advises applying, per hectare: 35 kg of
urea (46% N), 100 kg of triple super phosphate (TSP) (46% P2O5), and 75 kg of muriate of
potash (MOP) (60% K2O) (Department of Agriculture Sri Lanka, 2023). Solutions are
needed to mitigate the environmental harm caused by inorganic fertilizers, which can
degrade soil structure and lead to nutrient loss through leaching and gas emissions [5].
Overusing these fertilizers can harm soil organisms, disrupt ecosystems, and hinder
mycorrhizal colonization [6]. Additionally, salt buildup from chemical fertilizers can impair
water absorption, resulting in stunted plant growth [7]. Excessive fertilizer use may cause
nutrient imbalances, low yields, and increased soil acidity [7]. Increased nitrogen levels can
cause crop browning, yellowing leaves, and lodging, while root burn may occur due to salt
accumulation. Furthermore, biodiversity declines due to ammonia buildup from over-
fertilization [5]. Thus, effective, eco-friendly alternatives are essential.
Alternatives to chemical fertilizers include organic, slow-release, and bio-fertilizers [8].
Vermiwash, an organic liquid fertilizer produced with earthworms, contains growth-promoting
hormones and nutrients [9]. Foliar application of vermiwash is preferred for achieving
sustainable yields [10]. Studies show that a 75% concentration of vermiwash increases leaf
count in cowpeas, and boosts yieldin okraand black gram[11, 12, 13].While vermiwash is
widely used in developed countries, it should also be accessible to developing nations [10].

This study aimed to assess the effects of various vermiwash application rates on the growth
and yield of the green gram MI6. The research involved analyzing the composition of
produced vermiwash and investigating its combined effects with half the recommended
inorganic fertilizer on MI6 growth. The experiment was conducted as a field study, identifying
the best combined treatment based on growth and yield outcomes.

2. MATERIAL AND METHODS

2.1Study location

The study was conducted at the Adaptive Research Centre in Vavuniya, Northern Province,
Sri Lanka, during the 2022 Maha season. This dry zone district (rainfall < 1750 mm) has a
tropical climate with an average temperature of 28 °C [14].

2.2 Production of vermiwash

A vermiwash production unit was created using a barrel with one open side and a tap at the
bottom. A 25 cm layer of broken bricks was placed at the bottom, with the tap open. This
was followed by 25 cm of coarse sand and another layer of bricks. Afterward, a 30 cm layer
of loam soil was added and moistened. Finally, Red earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were
introduced, and organic materials like cow dung, leaf litter, and rotten banana waste were
added, keeping the contents moist daily. The tap was open for the first week to allow
vermiwash to flow out. On the 8th day, the tap was closed, and the collected vermiwash was
poured back in. This process continued for two weeks, with the tap opened on alternate days
to collect vermiwash. After two weeks, the mature vermiwash was collected through the tap
[10].

2.3 Analysis of the chemical composition of vermiwash

Composition analysis was conducted on 100% raw vermiwash samples. Electrical

conductivity (EC) and pH were measured using conductivity and pH meters (Model:S-610L).
Total nitrogen (N) was estimated using the Kjeldahl method [15]. Total phosphorus (P) was
determined using the colorimetric method of Olsen et al. (1954) [40]. Total potassium (K)
was measured with a flame photometer. Total organic carbon was assessed using the
Walkley-Black method described in Sri Lanka Standard 1702:2021.

2.4 Research design and layout

 BLOCK 01 BLOCK 02 BLOCK 03 BLOCK 04
L
A
T2 R1 T6 R2 T2 R3 T4 R4
W

T4 R1 T3 R2 T1 R3 T5 R4

T6 R1 T5 R2 T4 R3 T3 R4

T3 R1 T1 R2 T3 R3 T6 R4
B
Selected plant

T5 R1 T4 R2 T5 R3 T2 R4

T1 R1 T2 R2 T6 R3 T1 R4

Fig. 1. Field layout of six treatments and replicates in RCBD. A: Experimental field; B,
Single plot.

The experiment was carried out under RCBD design with four replicated plots in four blocks
(Fig 1; Table 1). The Length (L) and the width (W) of each plot were 2 m and 1.5 m
respectively. The total area was 208 m², with 1 m between blocks and treatments. Field
preparation, planting, and watering followed DoA (Department of Agriculture Sri Lanka,
2023) recommendations.

2.5 Field preparation and planting

The experimental site was plowed and harrowed, and flatbeds were made manually based
on the water supply. Two seeds per hill were planted 2 cm deep, and weaker plants were
thinned after 10-12 days. Planting space was 30 cm × 10 cm (Department of Agriculture Sri
Lanka, 2023).

2.6 Implementation of treatments

Table 1. Different combinations of inorganic fertilizer and vermiwashwere used in the

study.

Treatments Basal dressing Top dressing (after 30 Top dressing

 days)
Inorganic fertilizer
Inorganic fertilizer Vermiwash
(kg/ha)
(kg/ha) concentration (%)
Urea TSP MOP
T1 No No No No No
T2 35 100 75 30 No
T3 17.5 50 37.5 15 25%
T4 17.5 50 37.5 15 50%
T5 17.5 50 37.5 15 75%
T6 17.5 50 37.5 15 100%
T-Treatment; TSP -Triple Super Phosphate; MOP-Muriate of Potash

Basal dressings included inorganic fertilizers like urea, TSP, and MOP applied before
sowing, with urea top dressing 4 weeks after planting. Vermiwash concentrations (25%,
50%, 75%, 100%) indicated dilution rates. The experiment featured six treatments with four
combinations of inorganic fertilizers and vermiwash (Table 1). Controls included no fertilizer
(T1) and 100% inorganic application (T2). Vermiwash was applied as a foliar spray at the
1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th weeks after planting (WAP), Vermiwash solution sprayed per plant in
each treatment at each application was 10 ml.

Harvesting occurred 60 days after planting when pods turned brown [1]. Three randomly
chosen plants from the middle lines in a plot (one from each line) were used to measure
plant height, Leaf Area Index (LAI), and number of branches per plant. LAI was calculated
using the following formula.

L x W. of leaves x N of leaves on the plant

LAI =
Area covered (m2)
Where; L = Length (m), W = Width of leaves (m), N = Number of leaves
[39]

Five plants were randomly uprooted from each plot at flowering, and the average tap root
length was measured. The days to 50% flowering were counted by noting flowered plants.
Yield parameters included number of pods per plant, pod length, pod girth, seeds per pod,
100 seeds weight, and total yield.

2.7 Data analysis

The data were analyzed using a SAS 9.4 version. One-way ANOVA was used to find out the
significant differences among the treatments for each parameter.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 VermiwashComposition Analysis

The vermiwash used in the experiment had the following composition: pH 7.63, EC 9.66
mS/cm, total organic carbon 0.239%, nitrogen 0.014%, phosphorus 0.355%, and potassium
1.5%.Macronutrients are essential for plant growth. Nitrogen aids leaf and stem
development. Phosphorus promotes growth, flower formation, and maturity. Potassium
enhances vigor, disease resistance, and water efficiency [16].

3.2The effects of vermiwash and recommended inorganic fertilizer on the

growth of Green Gram MI6.

3.2.1Plant height

The study evaluated the effects of varying rates of vermiwash with 50% of the recommended
inorganic fertilizer by DoA (Table 1). T2 was maintained as the full dose of inorganic fertilizer
recommendation and T1 without any sort of fertilizer application. At the 2nd and 3rd WAP,
there was no significant difference in average plant height among all treatments (p>0.05)
(Table 2). From the fourth week onwards T1 started giving significantly the lowest plant
height of all the other treatments. However, a significant difference in plant height was not
observed among T2 or other treatments. From the 5th WAP to the 8th WAP, the T2 and T5
had the maximum plant heights in the range of 31.38±0.70 cm and 56.08±0.72 cm. At the
7th and 8th WAP, T5 had the significantly highest plant height even compared to T2, the full
dose of inorganic fertilizer recommendation (Table 2). T5 included 75% vermiwash and 50%
inorganic fertilizer. Similar results were reported in tomato studies [17]. Undiluted vermiwash
can significantly reduce plant height, causing phytotoxicity to Vigna radiata [18]. In this study,
T6 was treated with undiluted vermiwash every two weeks, possibly explaining the reduced
height in T6. According to these findings, reducing inorganic fertilizer by 50% and
substituting by 75% vermiwash increased the height of green gram plants.
Table 2. Average plant heights (cm) of green gram MI6

Average Plant Height (cm)

nd rd th th th th th
Treatments At 2 WAP At 3 WAP At 4 WAP At 5 WAP At 6 WAP At 7 WAP At 8 WAP
T1 12.76±0.28a* 17.13±0.80a 21.46±0.81b 27.14±0.48c 36.79±0.29c 44.77±0.51c 46.48±0.44d
T2 14.58±0.16a 19.42±0.56a 26.33±0.30 a
31.38±0.70a 41.92±0.63a 49.75±1.17b 50.58±0.57bc
T3 12.92±0.76a 17.46±0.80a 23.21±0.92 ab
29.13±0.53ab 37.79±0.36bc 46.36±0.55c 49.47±0.61bcd
T4 13.21±0.95a 17.67±1.03a 23.50±1.00 ab
30.21±0.97ab 38.54±0.21b 47.13±0.35bc 52.33±0.83b
T5 13.54±0.35a 18.77±0.91a 25.96±0.65a 32.00±1.12a 42.13±0.21a 54.30±0.69a 56.08±0.72a
T6 13.33±1.19a 17.93±1.19a 23.42±0.73 ab
30.58±1.27ab 38.54±0.26b 46.15±0.81c 49.08±0.93cd
Values are means ± standard deviation (n = 4). *Means with the same letters are not significantly different at P > .05 within the treatments. T1 - No
vermiwash or inorganic fertilizers applications, T2 - full doses of recommended inorganic fertilizer–Control, T3 - ½ doses of recommended inorganic
fertilizer + 25% vermiwash, T4 - ½ doses of recommended inorganic fertilizer + 50% vermiwash, T5 - ½ doses of recommended inorganic fertilizer + 75%
vermiwash, T6 - ½ doses of recommended inorganic fertilizer + 100% vermiwash.
3.2.2 Leaf area index

The Leaf Area Index (LAI) represents the total leaf surface area per unit ground area,
reflecting plant canopy structure [19]. Key material and energy exchanges in plants stem
from the canopy's surface area, mainly leaves. In this study, LAI remained consistent among
treatments until the 4th WAP. Green gram leaves responded better to 100% vermiwash for
development, but regular use of undiluted vermiwash resulted in stunted growth of the
leaves. The highest LAI values such as 5.28±0.46, 10.48±0.28, 12.94±0.43, and 13.11±0.43
were observed in T5 at the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th WAPs, respectively (Table 3). At 7th WAP,
T2 and T5 had the highest LAI values (49.75±1.17 and 54.30±0.69), which were not
significantly different (Table 3).Higher leaf area correlates with a crop's ability to accumulate
dry matter [20]. Similar results showed that 75% of vermiwash increased leaf count in
cowpeas [11]. Comparable findings were reported for tomato, Ber seeds, okra, and Black
gram [21, 22, 23, 24]. Our results indicate that reducing inorganic fertilizer by 50% and
substituting with 75% vermiwash enhanced the LAI of green gram.
Table 3. Average plant LAIs of green gram MI6

Plant Leaf Area Index (LAI)

Treatments At 2nd WAP At 3rd WAP At 4th WAP At 5th WAP At 6th WAP At 7th WAP At 8th WAP
a* a a b c b b
T1 0.11±0.01 0.64±0.05 1.33±0.27 2.89±0.46 5.49±0.77 6.52±0.81 6.57±0.82
a a a ab ab ab ab
T2 0.18±0.04 0.91±0.10 2.73±0.43 4.78±0.63 8.76±1.09 9.99±1.10 10.11±1.10
a a a ab bc b b
T3 0.12±0.02 0.70±0.11 1.78±0.45 4.18±0.55 6.56±0.47 8.06±0.56 8.14±0.55
T4 0.14±0.01a 0.77±0.08a 2.15±0.33 a
4.24±0.38ab 7.87±1.02abc
9.01±1.31b 9.00±1.22b
T5 0.17±0.02a 0.88±0.08a 2.71±0.28a 5.28±0.46a 10.48±0.28a 12.94±0.43a 13.11±0.43a
a a a ab abc b b
T6 0.14±0.02 0.82±0.09 2.23±0.32 4.59±0.65 7.38±0.49 8.56±0.93 8.66±0.92
Values are means ± standard deviation (n = 4). *Means with the same letters are not significantly different at P > .05 within the treatments.T1 - No
vermiwash or inorganic fertilizers applications, T2 - full doses of recommended inorganic fertilizer–Control, T3 - ½ doses of recommended inorganic
fertilizer + 25% vermiwash, T4 - ½ doses of recommended inorganic fertilizer + 50% vermiwash, T5 - ½ doses of recommended inorganic fertilizer + 75%
vermiwash, T6 - ½ doses of recommended inorganic fertilizer + 100% vermiwash.
3.2.3 Number of branches

In this study, the highest number of branches was in T5 (3.67±0.31), followed by T2

(3.58±0.18), T4 (3.42±0.18), T6 (3.33±0.54), T3 (2.75±0.10), and T1 (2.67±0.27) at 6th WAP
(Table 4). Ranjan and Murugesan (2012) found that 75% of vermiwash yielded the most
branches in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). At all-time points, T2 and T5 had significantly more
branches than other treatments. There was no significant difference between T5 and T2 in
the number of branches.

Table 4. Average plant number of branches of green gram MI6

Average Number of Branches
Treatments At 6th WAP At 7th WAP At 8th WAP
c*
T1 2.67±0.27 2.83±0.25c 3.17±0.19d
a
T2 3.58±0.18 4.50±0.11a 5.25±0.33ab
T3 2.75±0.10bc 3.20±0.16bc 4.17±0.11cd
bc
T4 3.42±0.18 3.67±0.16abc 4.50±0.19bc
a
T5 3.67±0.31 4.58±0.29a 5.75±0.18a
T6 3.33±0.54bc 4.17±0.40ab 5.25±0.40ab
Values are means ± standard deviation (n = 4). *Means with the same letters are not significantly
different at P > .05 within the treatments

3.2.4Tap root length

Plant growth depends on root system design, facilitating nutrient and water absorption [25].
Foliar application of vermiwash increased taproot length at 50% flowering: T6 (16.06±0.11
cm), T5 (15.17±0.14 cm), T4 (14.25±0.23 cm), T3 (13.93±0.30 cm), T2 (14.04±0.27 cm), and
T1 (13.78±0.21 cm) (Table 5). Applying 100% vermiwash at two-week intervals with 50%
inorganic fertilizer produced the longest taproot in T6, not significantly different from T5.
Ranjan and Murugesan (2012) also found the longest cowpea root with 100% vermiwash,
aligning with this result. Vermiwash contains high levels of macro- and micronutrients, and
plant growth regulators, enhancing crop development [26]. It was noted that vermiwash
extracts can increase root tip length [27].

Table 5. Average plant tap root lengths of green gram MI6

Average Tap Root Length (cm)
Treatments At 50% of flowering
T1 13.78±0.21d*
T2 14.06±0.27c
cd
T3 13.93±0.30
T4 14.25±0.23bc
T5 15.17±0.14ab
ab
T6 16.06±0.11
Values are means ± standard deviation (n = 4). *Means with the same letters are not significantly
different at P > .05 within the treatments
3.3 The effects of vermiwash and 1/2 the level of recommended inorganic
fertilizer on the yield of Mung bean MI6.
3.3.1 Days for 50% of flowering
Vermiwash application significantly decreased (p<0.05) the days to 50% flowering. T5 and
T2 had the minimum days (42±0), while T1 had the maximum (48±0). Applying vermiwash at
75% concentration biweekly with half the inorganic fertilizer dose reduced the time to 50%
flowering. This may be due to increased auxin and available N and P in the flowering shoots
[28]. A study on the foliar application of vermiwash and KNO3 showed significant
improvements in flower yield and tuberose quality, affecting floret length and diameter [29].

Table 6. Days for 50% of flowering of green gram MI6

Days for 50% of Flowering

Treatments Days
T1 48±0a*
T2 42±0d
T3 45±0b
T4 43±0c
T5 42±0d
T6 45±0b
Values are means ± standard deviation (n = 4). *Means with the same letters are not significantly
different at P > .05 within the treatments

3.3.2 Number of pods per plant

The application of vermiwash significantly increased (p<0.05) pods per plant. The highest
number was in T5 (27.17±0.78), followed by T2 (22.5±0.25), T4 (21.42±0.29), T3
(19.50±0.25), T1 (16.17±0.60), and T6 (15.75±0.43) (Table 7). A study found that vermiwash
enhanced pods and yield of Abelmoschus esculentus [12]. These findings suggest reducing
inorganic fertilizer by 50% and replacing it with 75% vermiwash can increase green gram
pod numbers.

Table 7. The average number of pods per plant of green gram MI6
Average Number of Pods per Plant
Treatments Pods
d*
T1 16.17±0.6
b
T2 22.50±0.25
T3 19.50±0.25c
T4 21.42±0.29bc
a
T5 27.17±0.78
T6 15.75±0.43d
Values are means ± standard deviation (n = 4). *Means with the same letters are not significantly
different at P > .05 within the treatments

3.3.3 Pod length and pod girth

The use of vermiwash significantly impacted pod length and girth. The longest pods were in
T5, likely due to micronutrients enhancing fruit size [30]. The minimum pod length in T6 was
9.26±0.06 cm, and the minimum girth in T1 was 2.03±0.01 cm (Tables 8 and 9). The high
salt content in 100% vermiwash may inhibit growth and lead to malformed pods [31]. This
aligns with the finding that 100% vermiwash reduced potato yield [32]. T5 had the highest
(P<0.05) pod length and girth at 11.27±0.17 cm and 2.29±0.02 cm, respectively. Applying
vermiwash as a foliar spray at 75% with ½ inorganic fertilizer increased pod girth by 1.08
times compared to control T1 (Table 9). Thus, foliar application of vermiwash at this rate
biweekly is optimal for greater pod length and girth.

Table 8. Average pod lengths of green gram MI6

Average Pod Length
Treatments Pod length (cm)
T1 9.95±0.08c*
T2 10.45±0.02b
b
T3 10.54±0.02
b
T4 10.77±0.1
T5 11.27±0.17a
T6 9.26±0.06d
Values are means ± standard deviation (n = 4). *Means with the same letters are not significantly
different at P > .05 within the treatments

Table 9. Average pod girths of green gram MI6

Average Pod Girth
Treatments Pod Girth (cm)
T1 2.03±0.01d*
T2 2.13±0.01c
T3 2.17±0.01c
T4 2.23±0.02b
T5 2.29±0.02a
T6 2.06±0.01d
Values are means ± standard deviation (n = 4). *Means with the same letters are not significantly
different at P > .05 within the treatments

3.3.4 Number of seeds per pod

There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in seeds per pod. The highest was in T5
(12±0.22), with 75% vermiwash and ½ dose of inorganic fertilizer (Table 10). Jaybhaye and
Bhalerao (2015) reported similar findings, noting that vermiwash increased seeds per pod in
black gram. Vermiwash from 100% cow dung significantly impacted growth and yield,
leading to the highest seed yield [33]. Foliar application of vermiwash at a rate of 75% with
half the dose of inorganic fertilizer at two-week intervals would be the best method to obtain
a higher number of seeds.
Table 10. Average number of seeds per pod of green gram MI6

Number of Seeds per Pod

Treatments Number of Seeds per Pod
T1 9.78±0.1d*
T2 10.93±0.06c
T3 11.05±0.06bc
T4 11.50±0.09b
T5 12.00±0.22a
T6 9.53±0.09d
Values are means ± standard deviation (n = 4). *Means with the same letters are not significantly
different at P > .05 within the treatments

3.3.5 Weight of 100 seeds

There was a significant increase in 100-seed weight in T5 (7.18±0.10 g), 1.2 times higher
than control T2 (6.05±0.07 g), which had full inorganic fertilizer (Table 11). However, a 100%
vermiwash rate reduced 100-seed weight in green gram. Thus, 75% vermiwash with 50%
inorganic fertilizer is optimal. This is likely due to essential and trace nutrients and growth
regulators enhancing photosynthesis and bio-physiological conditions. These findings align
with Krishnaveni et al. (2021), Ansari et al. (2024), and Joshi et al. (2022) [34, 35, 36].
Kumar and Pandey (2020) noted that nutrition supplementation is crucial for improving pulse
seed yield [37].

Table 11. 100 seeds weight of green gram MI6

100 Seeds Weight

Treatments 100 Seeds Weight (g)
T1 5.13±0.06c*
T2 6.05±0.07b
T3 6.40±0.11b
T4 6.90±0.09a
T5 7.18±0.10a
T6 5.30±0.18c
Values are means ± standard deviation (n = 4). *Means with the same letters are not significantly
different at P > .05 within the treatments

3.3.6 Total yield

Sun-dried total seed weight of green gram significantly increased (p<0.05) with foliar
vermiwash application. The highest weight was in T5 (212±1.49 g) with ½ doses of basal
and top dressings plus 75% vermiwash. The lowest was in T6 (94.2±0.82 g) with ½ doses
and 100% vermiwash (Table 12). Thus, 75% vermiwash at two-week intervals was the best
for maximizing dry weight. This likely resulted from enhanced photo-assimilation and
translocation, producing larger, higher-quality seeds [38].
Table 12. Average total yield per treatment of green gram MI6
Average Total Yield per Treatment
Treatments Total Yield (g)
d*
T1 99.7±0.9
T2 137.4±0.58c
T3 106.6±0.38d
T4 154.9±0.55b
T5 212±1.49a
T6 94.2±0.82d
Values are means ± standard deviation (n = 4). *Means with the same letters are not significantly
different at P > .05within the treatments

4. CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that the application of 75% vermiwash in combination with a 50%
dosage of the recommended inorganic fertilizer enhances both vegetative and yield
parameters in the green gram variety MI6. Alternatively, 75% vermiwash as a foliar
application, along with half the dosage of inorganic fertilizer, can reduce the DoA-
recommended inorganic fertilizer dosage while maintaining the same growth and yield in the
green gram variety MI6. Since this is a field trial, the findings can also be recommended for
farmers.

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