Effect of Fertilization on Economic Production of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench) in Uyo, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The present study examined how fertilizer affects okra's economic productivity. The experiment was replicated three times using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments included two rates of inorganic fertilizers (100kg/ha NPK and 200kg/ha NPK), three rates of organic fertilizers (poultry manure-Pm) (5, 7.5, and 10 t/ha), and one control (no fertilizer). Analysis of variance was performed using collected data. At 5% probability, significant means were compared with the least significant difference. Results demonstrated significant okra growth and production differences. In both cropping seasons, 10 t/ha Pm increased okra fruit yield to 15.15 and 15.20 t/ha and fruit number to 22.94 and 22.85. In 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons, 7.5t/ha of Poultry manure (PM) yielded 14.81 and 14.91 t/ha fruits, whereas 200kg/ha yielded 12.98 and 13.40 t/ha. The control treatment produced the lowest fruit yield, 3.55 and 3.54 t/ha in both cropping seasons. The treatment of 7.5t/ha PM had the highest economic returns to management; N 1,068,350 and N 1,273,700 with a cost-benefit ratio of 3.09 and 3.47, respectively while the least; N 26,550 and N 65,000 with 0.09 and 0.2 cost-benefit ratio, respectively was recorded in the control treatment. Treatment of 7.5t/ha was recommended for higher yield and economic production of okra in Uyo, southeastern Nigeria.