Effect of Tillage and Mulching on Soil Biological Activity and
Leaf Area of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) In
Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna Agroecological Zone of
Nigeria

Wuese; S. T.; J. Ngor; M. M. Ibrahim

doi:10.56201/ijaes.vol.11.no7.2025.pg14.25

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Effect of Tillage and Mulching on Soil Biological Activity and Leaf Area of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) In Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna Agroecological Zone of Nigeria

Wuese, S. T., J. Ngor and M. M. Ibrahim

Abstract

Studies were carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi in the year 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons to determine the effect of tillage and mulching on soil biological activity as assessed through the number and weight of earth worm casts and performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) as measured through leaf area in Makurdi. This involved the use of okra in three tillage methods and five rates of mulching factorially arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times giving a total of forty five treatment units. Results showed that among the tillage methods, flat cultivation gave the highest number and weight of earthworm cast as well as leaf area of okra, followed by tied ridging and least by open ridging. On the whole, of the mulching rates, 6 t/ha produced significantly higher leaf okra, and also had the highest moderating effect on earthworm activity than the control. The performance of okra either at 6 or 8 t/ha was not significantly (p<0.05) different, but was significantly higher than at 4 t/ha. It is recommended that 6 t/ha mulch with flat cultivation is most suitable for overall improved soil biological activity and maximum leaf area, which will translate into higher crop photosynthetic activity and hence yield.

References

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Effect of Tillage and Mulching on Soil Biological Activity and Leaf Area of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) In Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna Agroecological Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

References

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