Evaluation of the Agronomic Performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus): Selection and Fertilization of the Crop Site
Mfenda Ekoto Wilfried *
Agricultural Research Institute for Development, Cameroon and Department of Soil Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Nana Djouyep Mervil
Agricultural Research Institute for Development, Cameroon and University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon.
Yves Thierry Djoah
Agricultural Research Institute for Development, Cameroon and University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon.
Oum Jean II
Agricultural Research Institute for Development, Cameroon and University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon.
Martini Rodrigue Mbock
Agricultural Research Institute for Development, Cameroon and University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon.
Emmanuel Kuate Wouafo
Agricultural Research Institute for Development, Cameroon and Department of Soil Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Alexis Noel Minkate
Agricultural Research Institute for Development, Cameroon and University of Ebolowa, Cameroon.
François Manga Essouma
Agricultural Research Institute for Development, Cameroon and University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon.
Romary Ngnimpa
Department of Soil Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Tabi Fritz Oben
Department of Soil Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L Moench) is among the most appreciable fruit vegetables in terms of nutritional elements. A study was carried out to determine the suitability of the soil in the locality of Nkoévome (South Cameroon) in order to propose fertilization strategies helping to improve okra yields for sustainable agriculture. The study took place at the Nkoemvone Agricultural Research Institute for Development (IRAD) Station. The plant material used was the Hire variety. The experimental design used is a randomized complete block design with 7 treatments repeated 3 times which are: T0 (no fertilizer application), T1 (275 kg/ha N), T2 (165 kg/ha of NPK 20:10:10 + 150 kg / ha of urea), T3 (10 t / ha of (FP), T4 (5 t / ha of FP), T5 (½ dose of mineral fertilizer (T2) + ½ dose of 10 t /ha FP ( T3); T6 (½ dose of mineral fertilizer + ½ dose of 5t/ha FP (T3). The data collected was analyzed using Genstat software. the WRB was of the Rhodic Ferralsols type and unsuitable due to the climate and fertility due to PH, CEC, phosphorus which were low in the soil. The treatments applied had a significant effect on the growth parameters (width, length, number of leaves, branches), and on yields in weight and the number of fruits of the okra but not on the diameter at the collar and the height of said speculation. Thus, the organic fertilizers in this study significantly improved certain growth and yield parameters of okra compared to the different doses of mineral fertilizers and the control.
Keywords: Okra, phosphorus, chicken droppings, mineral fertilizer, soil suitability