I’m Heshani R. Fernando, a researcher, very much interested in Irrigation and Water Management of coconut plantations. I earned my bachelor’s degree of BSc. in Agricultural Technology and Management from Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in 2016. At undergraduate level, I specialized in Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering and now I’m reading for Masters in Integrated Water Resources Management at Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Three years back, I joined to Soils and Plant Nutrition Division of CRISL as a researcher and until today, I worked mainly on research projects related to irrigation of coconut and introduction of new organic fertilizer sources for coconut plantations. In addition, I have worked for research projects initiated to introduce soil conditioners and nutrient recommendations for coconut and for studies on post-harvest technology in fruit crops.

My research emphasizes the successful adaptation of micro irrigation technology in coconut plantations, especially on the current situation in the field, the reasons for failures of micro irrigation technology in coconut plantations, introduction of guidelines to minimize the failures with micro irrigation system designing and maintenance. My current research focuses on fertigation of coconut through micro irrigation systems as a solution to the labour shortage. In addition to irrigation and water management, I’m interested in solid waste management through composting and development of organic fertilizers suitable for coconut plantations.

Fernando B.H.R., Kumarathunga D.P., Nirukshan G.S. and Ranasinghe C.S. (2021). Importance of Irrigation for Coconut: Combating Climate Challenges. In: Probir Kumar Ghosh (Ed). Cocos nucifera: Production, Cultivation and Uses. Nova Science, New York, USA. Pp. 75-95

Nirukshan G.S., Fernando B.H.R., Ranasinghe C.S. and Sleutel S. (2021). Manipulation of Beneficial Microorganisms in the Coconut Rhizosphere: A Sustainable Soil Fertility Management Approach. In: Probir Kumar Ghosh (Ed). Cocos nucifera: Production, Cultivation and Uses. Nova Science, New York, USA. Pp. 49-73

Nirukshan, G.S., Fernando, H.R., Ranasinghe, S. and Sleute, S. (2021). Biochar from Farm Wastes as Potential Soil Amendment for Coconut Plantations: Immediate Effects on Soil Properties and Soil Biota. GENEVA Eurosoil 2021. https://b-com.mci-group.com/Abstract/Statistics/AbstractStatisticsViewPage.aspx?AbstractID=526180

Fernando, B.H.R., Nadheesha, M.K.F., Nirukshan, G.S., Aratchige, N.S. and Ranasinghe, C.S. (2021). Assessment of Compost Quality Produced with Municipal Solid Waste and Dewatered Fecal Sludge: A Case Study. Proceedings of 5th International Research Conference of Uva Wellassa University, 1-2 July 2021, Badulla, Sri Lanka. Pp 22

Fernando, B.H.R., Ranasinghe, C.S., Nirukshan, G.S., Jayalath, K.V.N.N., Pathmarajah, S., Mowjood, M.I.M. (2020). Present Status of Micro Irrigation Systems in Coconut Plantations of Dry and Intermediate Zones of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Thirty Second Annual Congress of the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), 19-20 November 2020. Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Pp 41

B. Heshani R. Fernando, Soils and Plant Nutrition Division, Coconut Research Institute, Bandirippuwa Estate, Lunuwila 61150, Sri Lanka
Tel: 94 (0)31-2255300
Mobile: 94 (0)71-2363183
Fax: 94 (0)31-2257391

heshaniruwindima@gmail.com