Optimization of okra pod yield and economics by spacing and fertilizer

Abstract

A field investigation was conducted to study the effect of spacing and fertilizer on okra at Vegetable Research Farm, Regional Horticultural Research Station, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India during kharif-2023 and kharif-2024. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with factorial concept having total sixteen treatment combinations and three replications comprised of two factors i.e. factor-I spacing (S) viz. 60 cm × 15 cm (S1), 60 cm × 20 cm (S2), 60 cm × 25 cm (S3), 60 cm × 30 cm (S4) and factor-II fertilizer (F) viz. 160% RDF (F1), 140% RDF (F2), 120% RDF (F3) 100% RDF (F4). The result of two years pooled data revealed that among different spacing, closer spacing of 60 cm × 15 cm (S1) recorded significantly maximum marketable pod yield per net plot (18.00 kg) and per hectare (208.28 q) along with total pod yield per net plot (19.14 kg) and per hectare (221.58 q). With various fertilizer levels, higher dose of 160% RDF (F1) was found significant in terms of maximum marketable pod yield per net plot (18.40 kg) and per hectare (210.80 q), total pod yield per net plot (19.50 kg) and per hectare (223.38 q). The treatment interaction i.e. S1F1 (60 cm × 15 cm + 160% RDF) was reported for significantly maximum marketable pod yield per net plot (19.74 kg) and per hectare (228.47 q), total pod yield per net plot (20.71 kg) and per hectare (239.66 q), net income (5,17,561.29 ₹ ha-1) and BC ratio (3.08).