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Effect of Mulching and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i>)
Abstract
A field experiment was carried out in 2008 cropping season at the experimental farm of the faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management to evaluate effect of different rates of nitrogen (0,
70, 140, 210 kg N/ ha) and mulching (grass mulch) on the vegetative growth and green pod yield of okra. The experiment was conducted as a 4 x 2 factorial laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results showed that nitrogen rate of 140kgN/ha produced
the highest number of branches and leaves. Days to 50% anthesis (flowering) was longest at 140 kg N/ha and shortest where nitrogen was omitted. Mulched plots, which received 140 kg N/ha produced the highest number of fruits. The weight and length of fruits was higher on the mulched plots. Non– mulched plots consistently produced least values in all the parameters that were measured.
70, 140, 210 kg N/ ha) and mulching (grass mulch) on the vegetative growth and green pod yield of okra. The experiment was conducted as a 4 x 2 factorial laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results showed that nitrogen rate of 140kgN/ha produced
the highest number of branches and leaves. Days to 50% anthesis (flowering) was longest at 140 kg N/ha and shortest where nitrogen was omitted. Mulched plots, which received 140 kg N/ha produced the highest number of fruits. The weight and length of fruits was higher on the mulched plots. Non– mulched plots consistently produced least values in all the parameters that were measured.
