Effect of Selected Organic Residues and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Abstract

In a bid to evaluate the effect of selected organic residues and inorganic on the performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a concurrent experiment was conducted using Gliricidia sepium and Aspilla africana as the source of organic residue while N: P: K and Urea were used as the sources of inorganic fertilizers. The materials were applied solely and in combinations to give a total of nine (9) treatments. The land area used was 28m by 11m partition into 9 plots and replicated three times to give a total of 27 experimental units. The experiment was laid out in a randomized Complete Black Design (RCBD). Okra variety lady finger was planted at a spacing of 60cm by 45cm at a rate of three seeds per hole which was later thinned to one plant per stand. The treatments were applied two weeks after planting. Ten plants were tagged to determine the growth and yield parameters. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SPSS 16.00 version and mean separation was done using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). It was discovered that treatments containing a combination of N:P:K, urea and gliricidia sepium(T9), gave the best in terms of growth parameter and yield on site 1 while on site 2 a combination of NPK, urea and Aspilia africana (T8) gave the best. This shows the okra responds well to applications of organic residues together with inorganic fertilizers.