Methods of poultry manure application and its effect on growth and yield of Okra (<I>Abelmoschus esculentus L.</I>)

Abstract

This study examined the effect of methods of fertilizer application on growth and yield of okra. The experiment was conducted within the research  plot of Crop Production Technology Department, Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan. Poultry manure was applied at varying levels using different  methods of fertilizer application (Ring and Broadcasting methods). The experiment was a 2 x 2 factorial laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having five (5) treatments which includes T1 – 2 Kg/ha of poultry manure and ring method, T2–2 Kg/ha of poultry manure and  broadcasting method, T3– 4kg/ha of poultry manure and ring method, T4 – 4 Kg/ha of poultry manure and broadcasting method, T5 – Control replicated three (3) times. Growth and yield parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter and fruit weight. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. The result obtained showed that all the treatments favorably influenced the growth parameters of okra although T4(poultry manure and broadcasting) at 4kg/ha performed best while the least performances were recorded in T3(poultry manure and ring method) and T5 (control) plots. In addition,T4(poultry manure and broadcasting) at 2kg/ha had the highest number of fruits recording 242.0 while T5 (control) recorded least with 86.0. Broadcasting method at 4kg/ha and 2kg/ha levels of application performed best at both the vegetative and yield parameters assessed while the control plot recorded the least performance. In conclusion, since T4(Poultry manure and broadcasting)at 2kg produced the highest  number of fruits, it is therefore recommended to farmers for optimum growth and yield of okra.

Keywords: Poultry manure, okra, ring and broadcasting methods, growth, yield