Influence of Sawdust Mulch on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield Performance of Okra <i>abelmoschus esculentus</i> (L.) Moench in an alfisol

Abstract

Sawdust, a byproduct of the saw-milling, pulp, paper, and wood processing industries, is composed of small waste particles. When used  as mulch, sawdust can impact soil structure, aeration of heavy soils, evaporation losses, soil moisture, soil temperature, and ultimately,  the distribution of soil elements within the plant growth profile. To investigate these effects, a field experiment was conducted at the  Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal College of Forestry in Jericho, Ibadan. The objective of this study was to assess the influence  of sawdust mulching on selected soil properties, as well as the growth and yield performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L)  Moench). The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and consisted of four treatments (Control, 10 tons/ha,  20 tons/ha, and 30 tons/ha), each replicated four times, resulting in a total of sixteen experimental units. Six mulch treatments were  applied, and data were collected on plant height (cm), stem girth (cm), number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, and  pod yield. The results revealed that the application of sawdust mulch reduced bulk density, increased total porosity, and enhanced the  growth and yield of okra compared to the control plot, particularly from 4 weeks to 8 weeks after planting. In conclusion, the study  suggests that the application of sawdust mulch at a rate of 20 tons/ha significantly promotes the growth and yield (kg/ha) of okra, while  also improving soil properties in the study area. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers in the study area consider adopting sawdust    mulching at a rate of 20 tons/ha to optimize pod yield in okra production.