ABSTRACT
Field experiments was conducted during the late rainy season of 2024 (October–December) to evaluate the effects of number of plants per stand and fertilizer application rates on the growth and yield of okra. The study employed a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments consisted of two number of plants per stand (one and two plants per stand) and four fertilizer application rates: 20 t/ha of poultry manure, 300 kg/ha of NPK 15:15:15, a combination of 10 t/ha poultry manure with 150 kg/ha NPK 15:15:15, and a control.
Results indicated that one-plant stands produced slightly higher pod numbers, fruit weight, overall yield, and harvest index, accompanied by a shorter time to anthesis, although they exhibited overall lower vegetative characteristics compared to the two-plant stands. In contrast, stands with two plants per stand developed taller plants, demonstrated increased stem diameter at 4 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS), and exhibited larger leaf area at 4 WAS. These stands also recorded significantly higher flower numbers, marginally greater fruit length and diameter, and improved plant establishment with reduced days to flowering.
Fertilizer application markedly influenced growth and yield parameters. The combined application of 10 t/ha poultry manure and 150 kg/ha NPK 15:15:15 significantly increased the number of leaves at 4 WAS (8.16 leaves). Application of 20 t/ha poultry manure significantly enhanced the number of flowers (5.71), plant establishment (6.66), and harvest index (1.03), while 300 kg/ha of NPK fertilizer resulted in significant increase in fruit diameter (2.62) and yield (719.4g/ha). Variations in other reproductive characteristics were not statistically significant among the fertilizer treatments, underscoring a differential response: organic amendments promoted early vegetative and reproductive development, whereas mineral fertilizers more directly bolstered fruit development.
In conclusion, the study demonstrates that both plant density and fertilizer type are critical determinants of okra performance. Lower plant density tends to favor yield components such as pod number and fruit weight, whereas higher density improves vegetative characteristics as well as early reproductive traits and plant establishment. Furthermore, the distinct impacts of organic versus mineral fertilizers highlight the importance of tailored nutrient management strategies. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing okra production and underscore the potential benefits of integrated nutrient management in horticultural practices.
