~ 763 ~ International Journal of Chemical Studies 2017; 5(5): 763-765 P-ISSN: 2349–8528 E-ISSN: 2321–4902 IJCS 2017; 5(5): 763-765 © 2017 IJCS Received: 14-07-2017 Accepted: 15-08-2017 NM Sherin Mathews Department of Sustainable Organic Agriculture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamile Nadu, India A Bharani Department of Sustainable Organic Agriculture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamile Nadu, India D Udhaya Nandhini Department of Sustainable Organic Agriculture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamile Nadu, India Correspondence D Udhaya Nandhini Department of Sustainable Organic Agriculture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamile Nadu, India Influence of organic inputs on growth parameters of vegetable crops under terrace farming NM Sherin Mathews, A Bharani and D Udhaya Nandhini Abstract A pot experiment was conducted during kharif, 2016, to optimize the efficiency of organic inputs in vegetable crops under terrace farming at Kalpetta Muncipality of Wayanad district, Kerala. The experiment consisted of cultivation of vegetables like Cow pea (Vigna unguiculata), Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), Chilli (Capsicum annum), Ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus), and Brinjal (Solanum melongena) in grow bags. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with five treatment combinations and in four replications. The treatments comprised of application of Panchagavya, Jeevamruth, Amruthpani, Poultry Manure and Cow dung. The results showed that the plants treated with Panchagavya recorded higher rates of plant height and number of leaves in all the three replications. Keywords: terrace farming, organic inputs, grow bags, plant height and number of leaves Introduction Much of the increase in global agricultural production over the last few decades has come about through the adoption of high input farming system. Chemical crop protection is profit - induced poisoning of the environment. If on one side pesticides have helped India and other countries in achieving self-sufficiency in food production, on the other hand their indiscriminate use has considerably polluted the environment through the extend of persistence in soil, air and water and extend of contamination of environment including food commodities. A weaker soil became more susceptible to disease, giving chance to profiteers, recommending the use of pesticides and fertilizers further weakening the earth’s natural capacity to bear healthy crop (Sukamoto and Oba, 1991) [6] . Energy crisis, higher fertilizer cost, sustainability in agri-production system and ecological stability are the important issues which renewed the interest of farmers and research workers to opt for non-chemical sources of plant nutrients like bio-fertilizers, azolla and organic inputs viz., panchagavya, jeevamruth farmyard manure, vermi-compost, poultry manure and green manure. Awareness about soil health and crop quality has led to an interest towards eco- friendly farming practices such as organic farming (Sharma et al., 2008) [4] . Wayanad is a district of fertile highland of greenery in Kerala state. It is set high on the Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700-2100m. It is noted for its less atmospheric pollution compared to other parts of the state. Most of the people in Wayanad depend on agriculture for their living. However, recently the unscientific and increased use of harmful pesticides in plantation crops, spices, vegetables, fruit crops etc are noted in the district in connection with efforts of the farmers to enhance the productivity. This resulted in the boosted production but also in the tragic increase in the number of cancer patients according to recent survey. Now hundreds of farmers learn the bitter lessons of chemical farming are making a comeback to organic farming. There is an urgent need to develop farming techniques, which are sustainable from environmental production and socioeconomic points of view. The agricultural community is setting its hopes on sustainable agriculture. Methods of organic farming vary. A Terrace garden is a garden of vegetables on the roof of buildings. Besides the decorative benefit, roof plantings may provide food, temperature control, hydrological benefits, architectural enhancement, habitats for wildlife, recreational opportunities and in large scale it may even have ecological benefits. The practice of cultivating food on the rooftop of buildings is sometimes referred to as Terrace farming.