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Integrated Cocoa Pod Compost Affect Soil Physical and Chemical Properties and Yield of Okra in a Derived Savanna of Obubra Nigeria
Abstract
Degradation and mineralization of organic materials are limited by their Carbon/ Nitrogen ratio. A study was carried out at the Cross River University of Technology, Calabar in 2020 and 2021. The experiment was aimed at integrating cocoa pod husk (CPH), moringa leaves (MLB) and poultry droppings (PD) into a compost (CMP) for Okra production. Three compost types: CPH+MLB+PD as CMP1, CPH+MLB as CMP2 and CPH+PD as CMP3 were composted for 60 Days in a ratio of 3:1:1, 3:1 and 3:1 respectively. Each compost was applied at the rates of 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1 with a zero control and NPK 20.10.10 at 200 kg ha-1 as an inorganic check. Treatments were 14 which were laid out in RCBD and replicated 3 times. Results of the post-cropping indicated bulk density reduction from 1.33g/cm3 of pre-treatment soils by all compost-applied soils to a range of 1.11-1.17g/cm3 and increased porosity of 55.8% - 58.1% with highest bulk density of 1.3g/cm3 from control. All rates of compost increased OM and available P above their critical level. Total N was above critical levels by all compost manures at rates of 7.5 and 10 t ha-1. Exch. K, Mg, Ca and ECEC were increased with a reduction in exchangeable acidity over the controls. CPH+MLB+PD at 10 t ha-1 produced the highest yield of okra pods (8.6 t ha-1). CPH +MLB + PD compost at 10 t ha-1 is best suited for soil properties improvement and optimal yield of okra in the study area.
