Effect of Organic Combinations of Nitrogen and Potassium Sources on Soil Properties and Growth of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
Abstract
A bagged experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University of Technology, owerri to evaluate the combined effects of the organic sources of nitrogen and potassium on soil properties and performance of okra. Four organic sources, two inorganic sources of nitrogen and potassium and a combination of the organic sources in the ratio of 1:1 were applied and compared against a control. Physicochemical properties of the soil were evaluated before application of treatments and after treatments application. Plant growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves and leaf area index were measured in okra plants. The results demonstrated that the sole application of Poultry manure and in combination with wood ash ( PM+WA) in the ratio of 1:1 increased the soil pH, Total Nitrogen content, Available phosphorus, exchangeable bases, base saturation and reduces the carbon-nitrogen ratio more than the other treatments and the control. Plant height, leaf number and leaf area index were highest in sole application of poultry manure treated soil when compared with the control. In conclusion, Sole application of poultry manure (PM) or its combination with wood ash (PM+WA) is recommended as a substitute for inorganic fertilizers for okra production and for ameliorating degraded ultisol of southeastern Nigeria.
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