Title: Effect of nitrogen fertiliser on the growth and yield of okra in Makurdi, Nigeria

Authors: Friday Ibrahim; Benjamin Tihemba Igbatim; Hope Ogbaje

Addresses: Department of Soil Science, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria ' Department of Soil Science, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria ' Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja (Itakpe Campus), Nigeria

Abstract: Field experiment was carried out at the teaching and research farm of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria to determine the effects of nitrogen fertiliser rate on the growth and yield of okra. Five levels of Nitrogen fertiliser were laid out in randomised complete block design (RCBD) and replicated thrice. Okra seeds were planted; three seeds per hole and thinned to two seedlings per hole two weeks after planting. The fertiliser treatments were applied in split doses; half at two weeks after planting while the remaining half was applied at flower initiation stage of the crop. Data collected was subjected to the analysis of variance using Genstat-17-Edition. Significant differences in means were separated using Fischer's least significant difference F-LSD. Results indicated that nitrogen fertiliser rates significantly influenced plant height and the area of leaves produced. Similarly, the yield of the crop increased significantly with increase in nitrogen rates. Application of 100 kg N/ha however gave the best yield and was therefore recommended for the production of okra in the study area.

Keywords: nitrogen; okra; yield; growth; fertiliser; Makurdi; Nigeria.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAITG.2022.126870

International Journal of Agriculture Innovation, Technology and Globalisation, 2022 Vol.3 No.1, pp.61 - 72

Received: 24 Jan 2022
Accepted: 12 Jul 2022
Published online: 09 Nov 2022 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article