Response of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) to N and K Fertilizer in a Ultisol

Abstract

A factorial experiment was set out in a randomized complete block design to determine the effects of four rates of N (0, 60, 80 and 100 kg  N/ha) and four rates of K (0, 50, 70 and 90 kg K/ha) on growth and yield of okra were studied. Weight per pod was increased by 26% when  60 kg N/ha was applied than the control or by 44% when 100 kg N/ha was applied than when not. Plant height and dry matter  accumulation increased significantly (P < 0.05) with incremental application of nitrogen. Nitrogen fertilizer application showed no  significant effect on leaf area and the number of branches and leaves. Application of 70 kg K/ha was optimum for vegetative growth of  okra under the conditions. Pod yield (t/ha) was raised by 21% when K was applied at 70 kg K/ha compared with where it was not applied.  Combined application of 100 kg N/ha and 70 kg K/ha gave optimum vegetative growth, while a combination of 80 kg N/ha and 70 kg K/ha  proved optimum for pod and seed yields.