Browsing by Author "Keerthisinghe, J. P."

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Evaluating the Feasibility of Megathyrsus maximus (Guinea grass) as Fodder at Different Harvesting Intervals.
(National Institute of Plantation Management, Sri Lanka., 2023) Udumann, S. S., Jayasinghe, H. J. M. P. M., Bandara, K. G. S. D., Keerthisinghe, J. P., and Atapattu, A. J.; Jayasinghe, H. J. M. P. M.; Bandara, K. G. S. D.; Keerthisinghe, J. P.; Atapattu, A. J.
Megathyrsus maximum is an invasive and problematic weed prevalent in various agricultural lands, including coconut plantations. The conventional methods of weed control, such as manual, chemical, and mechanical approaches, prove ineffective against this weed due to its competitive propagation mechanisms and the substantial labor required for weeding. Although Megathyrsus maximum is recognized as a troublesome weed in Sri Lanka, it was initially introduced to the country in the 1820s for use as fodder. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the fodder quality of Megathyrsus maximum under local conditions, aiming to utilize it as a beneficial management technique for controlling this weed. The experiment was conducted for five months in an existing guinea grass field, which naturally provided the growth environment. The study followed a randomized complete block design. Plant samples were collected at various growth stages, specifically at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks after the initial cutting. Several growth parameters were measured, including plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, leaf length, leaf-to-petiole ratio, fresh weight of biomass, dry matter yield, and percentage of flowering. The harvested grasses were analyzed for crude protein, crude fiber, and ash contents to assess the availability of nutrients in the leaves for fodder purposes. The results revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in the measured growth and quality parameters at different growth stages. Considering the growth and nutritive parameters of Megathyrsus maximum, it is recommended that the weed be harvested at the 8-week growth stage for optimal utilization as fodder for ruminant animals.
Optimum Cut Size and Dehydrated Time for Ash Production using King Coconut Husk.
(2023) Dissanayake, D. K. R. P. L.; Dassanayake, D. M. N. S.; Udumann, S. S.; Keerthisinghe, J. P.; Jayalath, N.; Idirisinghe, I. M. S. K.; Silva, S.; Gammanpila, J.; Janaka, R; Dinesh, P.; Atapattu, A. J
This study attempts to identify the optimum production conditions to produce ash using king coconut husk, providing a solution for the waste generated in the king coconut water processing industry in Sri Lanka. The suitable moisture content of the husk, the optimum cut size, and the dehydration period was determined by producing ash out of king coconut husk waste. Full, half, quarter, and chip cut sizes of husks were dried in a dehydrator at 60°C for different time periods (0h, 2h, 4h, 8h, 12h, 24h, and 48h). Twenty-eight treatment combinations were ashed in the muffle furnace at 600°C for 4h. The highest ash yield of 7.4 % was obtained from chips-sized particles dried over 24h that reached 2-4 % moisture. Therefore, chips are the most efficient particle size for drying king coconut husk, since they can achieve dryness within 24 hours at 60 °C in continuous drying. When the particle size is larger, it must be dried for 48 hours before being used in the production process. King coconut husk ash produced at the aforementioned optimum condition contained 26 ± 3 % of total K and 46.3 ± 6.01 % of total C pH, and EC of king coconut husk ash ranged from 10 – 11 and 10 μS/cm – 40 μS/cm, respectively. The chemical properties of king coconut husk ash are unaffected by particle size and drying time. However, husks with the lowest moisture content will produce more ash. King coconut husk ash is thus suitable for use for a variety of purposes, including as sustainable soil amendments.