Effect of different plant spacing and different rates of urea fertilizer application on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.)

Abstract

An ideal plant spacing and fertilizer doses for okra's [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] contributes its performance and output. An experimental study was conducted at the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture Education, College of Agriculture Education of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Mampong-Ashanti campus, to evaluate the effect of different plant spacing and different rates of urea fertilizer application on the growth and yield of okra variety Asontem. Three different plant spacing (S1 = 60 cm x 40 cm, S2 = 60 cm x 50 cm, and S3 = 60 cm x 60 cm) and three different rates of urea fertilizer (N1 = 0 kg N ha-1 , N2 = 46 kg N ha-1 , and N3 = 69 kg N ha-1 ) were used in the experiment. The experiment was conducted in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Superior results were seen from the widest plant spacing (60 cm x 60 cm) and the highest rate of urea fertilizer (69 kg N ha-1 ) applied in the vegetative growth, and yield components of okra. Nonetheless, the tallest plant height and maximum pod yield per hectare were achieved with the closest plant spacing (60 cm x 40 cm) treated with a higher rate of urea fertilizer application (69 kg N ha-1 ). Farmers are then advised to cultivate okra variety Asontem at a plant spacing of 60 cm x 40 cm with a higher rate of urea fertilizer at 69 kg N ha-1 for optimum pod yield per hectare.