Optimizing nutrient management through integration is crucial for enhancing okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) growth and yield

Abstract

Field experiment was carried out at carried out during early summer 2024 in the department of horticulture, Horticulture Research Farm, R.A.K., College of Agriculture, Sehore (M.P.). This experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications and five treatments. The experimental crop okra was line sown with the spacing of 17cm*11cm. This study evaluates the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the growth and yield of okra. At 90 days after sowing (DAS), Treatment T4 consistently outperformed all other treatments in both growth and yield parameters. It recorded the highest plant height (73.93 cm), number of leaves (25.20), branches (10.10), nodes (16.03), leaf area (900.25 cm²), and leaf area index (1.50). In terms of yield, T4 also showed the highest number of fruits per plant (20.55), fruit weight (13.40 g), fruit length (13.23 cm), fruit diameter (15.54 mm), and fruit yield per plant (150.38 g). Moreover, T4 achieved the highest yield per plot (1.65 kg) and yield per hectare (164.75 q), along with the highest Benefit-Cost ratio (3.94). Treatment T2 exhibited the lowest values for most growth and yield parameters, with plant height (63.28 cm), leaves (20.00), branches (8.23), and nodes (14.25), as well as fruit yield per plant (125.40 g), fruit yield per plot (1.38 kg), and yield per hectare (137.50 q). These findings underscore the effectiveness of T4 in maximizing both growth and yield, demonstrating the importance of integrated nutrient management for enhancing okra productivity.