Customized fertilizer on growth, yield and economics of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Water Management Research Unit, Vellanikkara, Kerala to evaluate the influence of customized fertilizer and its application schedule on growth, productivity and economics of okra. A customized fertilizer grade was developed base on the soil and crop specific requirement and the grade developed was 22.01 N: 3.35 P: 12.68 K: 5.97 Mg: 0.37 B.The experiment was laid out in randomized block design replicated trice with 12 treatments in three replications viz., FYM + 75% CF (2 splits), FYM + 75% CF (4 splits), FYM + 100% CF (2 splits), FYM + 100% CF (4 splits), FYM + 125% CF (2 splits), FYM + 125% CF (4 splits), FYM + soil test based NPK application (N & K as 2 splits, P as basal), FYM + soil test based NPK application (N & K as 4 splits, P as basal), FYM + NPK as per POP (N & K as 2 splits, P as basal), FYM + NPK as per POP (N & K as 4 splits, P as basal), FYM alone based on N recommendation of POP (2 splits at 30 days interval) and absolute control. The application of fertilizers in two splits and four splits were followed at 30 days and 15 days interval. Lime was applied at 350 kg ha-1 one week before the application of FYM (12 t ha-1). The application of 125% customized fertilizer on two splits produced highest yield of okra (14.46 t ha-1), which was 32.11 percent and 35.16percent higher than soil test based NPK and recommended dose of fertilizers(110: 35: 70 NPK kg ha-1), however was on par with 125% CF applied in four splits (13.69 t ha-1). The highest net returns (Rs.186709 ha-1) and BC ratio (2.82) was recorded in 125% CF (2 splits).