Objective of this study was to determine whether the adverse effects associated with high dietary rice bran (RB) inclusion levels in broiler diets could be corrected by balancing diets for higher number of amino acids (AA). The experiment followed a completely randomize design in 2x4 factorial arrangement. Eight experimental diets were formulated using linear model based computer software (CUFATotal Feed). Treatment factors were two dietary RB levels (20 and 40%) and four levels of AA considerations in ration formulation (1. lysine and methionine, 2. 1 + isoleucine, 3. 2 + valine, 4. 3 + threonine). When rations were balanced for lysine and methionine, many of the other AAs were in excess. No practical ration could be formulated to meet the threonine requirement. Twenty-two-day old broiler chicks (n=144) were allocated into 48 pens and fed one of the eight experimental diets ad libitum from 23-43 days. Balancing the diets for higher number of AAs had no significant effect on any of the growth performance parameters. Live weight on day 43, weight gain from day 23-43 and feed intake and the tibia ash contents of the broiler fed 40% dietary RB were significantly lower than those of 20% RB fed counterparts. However, feed conversion ratios were not significantly different between the birds fed two dietary RB levels. Interaction between RB levels and the number of AAs considered in ration formulation was not significantly different with respect to any of the growth parameters measured. It was concluded that balancing rations for up to four amino acids; lysine, methionine, isoleucine and valine did not mitigate the adverse effects of 40% dietary RB in broiler growth performance.

Mimosa pigra L. is an invasive prickly plant that has been scattered in agricultural lands in the SouthernProvince of Sri Lanka. This study was aimed to understand the farmers' perspectives on the spread of M. pigra in Matara district, Sri Lanka while uplifting awareness and estimating the distribution of the weed to support control activities. Semi-structured interviews with a pretested sample questionnaire survey were carried out among 400 randomly selected farmers among 16 Divisional Secretariats Divisions (DSDs) in the district. The spread areas of M. pigra were estimated using modern geospatial techniques, where images of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (DJI Macvi Pro) were taken for mapping the affected area. UAV was captured 26.8 ha (5.84% of the total land area) of M. pigra invaded land extent in Akuressa and Malimbada DSDs. Based on the survey, 91.5 % of the farmers had no previous knowledge of controlling the particular weed. Approximately, 22.8% of the farmers expressed interest to establish Cinnamomum sp. as a perennial crop, and 11.8% suggested cultivating vegetables as the annuals in the areas invaded by M. pigra. The geospatial techniques used in this study was correctly identified the spread of M. pigra, which is very useful information for controlling weeds. Further research activities are suggested within the adaptive management framework and suitability of Cinnamomum sp. cultivation in M. pigra affected areas.

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Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L) is mainly grown in the dry zone of Sri Lanka where the major soil group is well drained Reddish Brown Earth. Pelwatte Sugar Industries Limited cultivates more than 4,000 hectare of sugarcane. Uneven and unpredictable rainfall in the dry zone makes it necessary of the irrigation. This research project was conducted to develop an alternative system to overcome weaknesses of the existing irrigation system. Irrigation interval, irrigation time and net irrigation depth was measured via a number of equations, which used in irrigation scheduling. Distribution uniformity was found by three can tests for existing and suggested spacing and those tests were helpful to find irrigation rate. Other miscellaneous practices are equal for both suggested and existing systems. Irrigation interval of the existing system is around 10 to 14 days. Irrigation time is 3 hours. Irrigation rate of the system is 6.30 mm hr -1 . Net irrigation depth is 18.7 mm; hence water requirement per hectare is 186.75 m 3 . Spacing used in existing sprinkler system is 18 m × 18 m and average distribution uniformity is 55.71%. Area covered in a day is 1.7 hectare. Fuel cost per hectare is Rs. 3,395.00. Suggested irrigation interval of the study was 14 days. Net irrigation depth was 33.2 mm. Two spacing systems were suggested, 18 m × 12 m spacing system and 12 m × 12m system. Distribution uniformity and discharge rate increment of the two systems was statistically significant over existing system. Their values and corresponding p values are 70.8%, 0.026 and 10.427 mm hr -1 , 0.002 for 18 m × 12 m system and 83.5%, 0.007 and 16.6 mm hr -1 , 0.014 for 12 m × 12m system respectively. Irrigation time, area covered within a day, water requirement per hectare and fuel cost per hectare for 18 m × 12 m system are consecutively 3 hours and 11 minutes, 1.2 hectare, 332.49 m 3 and Rs. 6,034.00 and for 12 m × 12 m system are 2 hours, 1.1 hectare, 332.49 m 3 and Rs. 5,060.00. It can be concluded that both suggested systems were improved distribution uniformity and irrigation rate significantly. Moreover, net irrigation depth of the new system was almost twice compared to existing system, which explains the inadequate wetting of the existing system. 12 m × 12 m system is superior over both 18 m × 12 m spacing and existing system.