Influence of NPK 20-10-10 Fertilizer on the Pod Yield and Root Growth of Okra in the Humid Tropics

Abstract

The influence of NPK 20-10-10 on the fresh pod yield and root growth of okra variety, V 35 grown in the lowland humid tropics was investigated during the 2002 and 2003 cropping seasons. Four rates (0,150, 300 and 450 kg/ha) of the fertilizer were applied to the crop. The treatments were replicated three times in a Randomized Complete Block design. The results showed significant differences (P=0.05) among treatment means for pod yield and dry root weight during the 2002 and 2003 trials. The root weight was positively correlated (r =0.99 and 0.96) to the fertilizer rates. The results suggest that the optimum NPK 20-10-10 level for okra variety, V 35 in the study area lies between 300-450 kg NPK 20-10-10/ha. Therefore, application rates above 450 kg NPK 20-10-10/ha for okra production in the study area will not be economical.