Effect of some organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) under North Darfur conditions, Sudan

Abstract

Study was executed at Elfasher Research Station Farm for two successive seasons (2018 and 2019) during summer to study the response of okra variety pusa swani to some organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield. The treatments consisted of three levels of chicken manure (2, 4 and 6 ton/ha-1) alone or combination with 86 kg N ha-1 (urea) (2N) + 43 kg P2O5 ha-1 (super phosphate) (1P), and 5 tons of cattle manure alone or coupled with 2N + 1P and the control. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Results of the two seasons showed that chicken manure increased the total, small and medium pod yields. Addition of the 2N + 1P increased total pod yields to 21.42t ha-1 and the increment was 38% over the control. The three levels of chicken manure (2, 4 and 6 ton ha-1) increased total pod yields by 26%, 36% and 40% over the control, respectively. The combination of nitrogen and phosphorus plus the two levels of chicken manure (2 and 4 tonha-1) increased total pod yields by 43% and 46%, compared to the control and 7.8%, 12.6% when compare with nitrogen plus phosphorus. Application of 2 and 4 tons of chicken manure ha-1 plus (2N + 1P) were suitable for growth of okra. Chicken manure treatment of 4 tonsha-1 plus 2N + 1P achieved the highest economic returns and MRR%, confirming its profitability and feasibility for both smallholders and commercial farming systems.