Abstract:
Salad cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an important high-value crop in Sri Lanka, widely
cultivated under both open-field and protected condition. Organic fertilizers, such as
bokashi, offer a sustainable alternative by enhancing soil health and improving nutrient
availability. Despite its growing popularity, limited research has been conducted on the
impact of bokashi on salad cucumber production in Sri Lanka. This study aimed to evaluate
the effects of bokashi organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of salad cucumber under
protected condition at the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development Center,
Makandura, Gonawila, Sri Lanka. The experiment was conducted from November 18,
2024,to February 28,2025, using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with different
amount of fertilizer for five treatments and without fertilizer for one treatment (control),
totally six treatments and four replicates. Each replicates consist with two experimental
units. Growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, canopy width, leaf area
and chlorophyll content, were recorded weekly, while yield parameters such as fruit
number, weight, and total yield per plant were assessed. Data analysis was performed using
Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software 9.4 version, with Duncanls Multiple Range
Test (DMRT) used for mean separation. The results demonstrated that the Compost +
Bokashi (COM+BOK) treatment (T5) significantly enhanced plant growth and yield
compared to the all treatments, while producing a similar number of fruits as the Albert
treatment (T6). Compost * Bokashi (COM+BOK) treatment enhanced chlorophyll content,
canopy expansion, and fruit yield, indicating improved nutrient availability and root
development. These results highlight Compost + Bokashi (T5) as a sustainable alternative
that boosts productivity and soil health. This study provides valuable insights for farmers,
researchers, and policymakers, emphasizing the need for sustainable fertihzation strategies.
Further research is recommended to assess long-term soil health benefits, economic
feasibility, and scalability for commercial salad cucumber production in Sri Lanka.
