Evaluation of soil test crop response based targeted yield equations for okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in southern lateritic soils of Kerala

Abstract

A study was conducted in the farmer’s field in Thirupuram grama panchayat of Kerala to test verify the STCR based targeted yield equation for okra which was developed under the AICRP on STCR. The experiment was conducted at 8.3499700◦ North latitude and 77.073460◦ East longitude, at an altitude of above 4.9m MSL in 2025. The crop variety used in the experiment was Anjitha. The study followed a randomized block design (RBD) involving three replications and nine treatments. The treatment included T1 were organic based nutrient management practices, T2 Kerala Agricultural University Package of Practices Recommendations Crops (KAU, 2024) based soil test values T3, T4, T5, were based on STCR based fertilizer recommendations for target yield of 25,27.5 and 30 tonnes respectively. In treatments T6, T7, T8 based on STCR equations without adjustment of nutrient contribution from organic sources. In T9 treatment nutrient management is under control. Nutrient management with the application of STCR based targeted yield recommendation for a target yield of 30 tonnes T5 showed a significant increase in yield and yield parameters like length of the fruits and weight of the fruits. The treatment T5 have high N, P and K content and their uptake by leaf, shoot and root respectively of Okra and significantly better results for all parameters in comparison to their treatments. The equation of AICRP on STCR (2006-2007) for the nutrient management for the cultivation of Okra can be used by the farmers for better yield and profit.