Abstract

• Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important oilseed crop, but achieving optimal yields requires effective soil management practices. The use of EM bokashi, a fermented organic matter enriched with effective microorganisms, is being explored as a sustainable approach to enhance crop productivity. The study was carried out the effects of different levels of EM bokashi fertilizer on the yield components and overall yields of Helianthus annuus L. cv. (sunflower) under field condition. The experiment was carried out using Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with replicated twice. The different levels of EM bokashi fertilizer (0, 1, 2, 3 ton acre-1) were employed in this experiment. In the result, the 3 tons acre-1 of EM bokashi significantly improved several yield components, the tallest plant height (67.56 cm), the maximum number of leaves (22.80) and largest single leaf area (94.60), head diameters (12.57 cm plant-1), 100 seeds weight (6.73 g plant-1), and total seed weight (46.32 g plant-1). Consequently, the overall seed yields of sunflower were increased (1.59 tons acre-1 and 33.39 baskets acre-1) compared to control. The result indicated that 3 tons acre-1 of EM bokashi can be beneficial soil amendment for enhancing sunflower yield components and overall productivity, offering a sustainable alternative for improving crop yields.