Optimization of Okra yield under varying agronomic practices

Abstract

In Africa, the increase in food demand as result populations explode has encouraged dry season farming. One of the important
vegetable consumption is okra. In this study, optimization of okra yield in dry season farming using automated sprinkler
irrigation system was carried out at Imo State polytechnic demonstration farm between February and April 2021. The soil
characteristics shows that it is sandy loamy with initial moisture content 10.5 %. The research was designed as factorial
experiment of four levels of tillage depths (0cm, 10cm,20cm and 30cm) known as plots A,B,C,D ; irrigation rates (150ml/s, 200
ml/s, 250 ml/s and 300 ml/s) and five levels of fertilizer application rates (0 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha 150 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha).
Whereas, weeks of experiment (1-8) was taken as the fourth factor with eight levels. Analysis was done using SPSS version 13
and excel statistical package. The results of okra vine height, number of leaves and yield of okra as well as their models were
generated showing how they were affected by farm practices. There was no significant mean difference (0.05 probability level) in
the overall effects of tillage depths unlike irrigation rates, fertilizer application and number of weeks. In this study, highest yield
was 101.57 g at 20 cm tillage depth, 250ml/s irrigation rate and 150 kg/ha Fertilizer application. The study was concluded by
recommending irrigation rates between 150 ml/s and 200 ml/s which ensured minimal water usage and a significant yield at
fertilizer application150 kg/ha and 20 cm tillage depth as the best treatment combination.