Browsing by Author "Priyadarshani, S.V.G.N."

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

Embargo
Exploring the evolving landscape: Urban horticulture cropping systems–trends and challenges
(Elsevier, 2024-03-01) Sashika, M.A.N; Gammanpila, H.W; Priyadarshani, S.V.G.N.
Urban horticulture cropping systems offer a promising solution for food security and sustainable agriculture in rapidly urbanizing areas. This paper explores their evolving landscape, emphasizing trends and challenges shaping their development and impact on urban environments. Vertical farming, rooftop gardens, hydroponics, aeroponics, Internet of Things (IoT), integration of optimized space, resources, and year-round cultivation are considered as key trends in urban horticulture. These innovations reflect the growing interest in sustainable urban agriculture and technology's role in boosting productivity and resilience. However, urban horticulture faces challenges that demand attention. Limited space requires creative land-use solutions, while soil quality and contamination concerns necessitate remediation strategies for crop safety. Similarly, access to water is crucial, driving the adoption of water-saving technologies. The urban heat island effect poses another challenge, urging heat stress mitigation for crop health. Zoning and regulations play a vital role, requiring supportive policies and secure land tenure. High costs must be managed with innovative financial approaches to ensure urban farming's viability. Finally, public perception and awareness play a critical role. Advocacy, education, and community engagement are vital to dispel misconceptions, garner support, and encourage involvement in urban horticulture. Even with challenges, urban horticulture helps to provide food for the growing population, creates business opportunities, and contributes to a greener environment for sustainable development.
Open Access
The Impact of Bitt ern and Gliricidia on the Growth of Chili Plants in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2024-12-04) Senavirathne, H.M.R.Y.; Gunasekara, N; Priyadarshani, S.V.G.N.; Gammanpila, H.W.
Due to its unique spiciness, Capsicum annuum, Chili is an economically valuable crop in high demand in global and local markets. It belongs to the Solanaceae family. This study investi gated the eff ect of Bitt ern and Gliricidia sepium, Gliricidia plant leaf extract pulp as a complete organic multi -nutrient low-cost ferti lizer. Vermi wash and Albert’s Soluti on were used as inorganic and organic treatments to analyze the eff ect on Chili plant growth and development. This experiment observed suitable ferti lizer treatment for the bitt ern soluti on to complete nitrogen defi ciency and generate complete organic ferti lizer. This study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 13 Treatment groups and 1 controlled group. Treatments were carried out for 10 weeks. Chili plant growth was analyzed using data for vegetati ve growth parameters, height, stem width, leaf count, and leaf area. Bitt ern 25% complex with Gliricidia sepium leaf extract pulp treated plants were the fi rst initi ati ng branching, second tallest plants (25.5 cm) with secondary branching was observed. Bitt ern 25%, Gliricidia sepium leaf extract pulp with Albert’s soluti on also signifi cantly showed the highest results on growth, tallest plants (28.5cm), the highest number of leaves, Branching & secondary branching. Analyzing results identi fi ed suitable bitt ern concentrati on with organic complex for opti mal plant growth. Pot plant treatments should increase with growth stages to prevent nutrient defi ciencies and opti mize growth and development. Stati sti cal analysis used One-way ANOVA and Microsoft Excel.