Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient of Okra as Affected by Irrigation Intervals and Different Levels of Mulching in Abeokuta

• K.O. Ayoola

  Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

  Author

• M.A. Busari

  Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

  Author

• A.O. Eruola

  Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

  Author

• V.O. Olagoke

  Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

  Author

The effects of different levels of mulching and irrigation on evapotranspiration (ETc) and crop coefficient (Kc) of okra was investigated in pot experiment at the screen house of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in 2024. A split plot experiment fitted into Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with 2 factors and 3 replicates had 3 levels of maize mulch (0 t/ha, 5 t/ha and 10 t/ha) and 3 irrigation intervals (2 days, 4 days and 6 days). ETC of Okra at 0 t/ha, ranged between 6.2mm and 11mm; At 5 t/ha it ranged between 4mm and 7.81mm, while at 10t/ha it ranged between 2.94mm and 5.5mm. ETC of Okra at 2 days’ irrigation interval ranged between 3.29 mm and 3.5mm, at 4 days’ irrigation interval it ranged between 4.32 mm and 10.87mm, while at 6 days’ irrigation interval it ranged between 5.55 mm and 10.30mm. Kc of Okra at 2 days’ irrigation interval ranged between 0.83mm - 1.38mm, at 4 days it ranged between 1.07 mm – 3 mm, at 6 days it ranged between 1.37mm - 2.78mm respectively. Okra Kc at 0 t/ha, 5t/ha and 10t/ha had the following ranges: 1.7mm - 3.07 mm, 0.82 mm - 2.21 mm and 0.75 mm - 1.47 mm respectively. Thus, 4 days’ irrigation interval with 10 t/ha mulching levels significantly (p<0.05) utilised and conserved water than other irrigation and mulching levels and is therefore recommended for okra growth and yield in the study area

1. K.O. Ayoola, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

   Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

2. M.A. Busari, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

   Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

3. A.O. Eruola, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

   Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

4. V.O. Olagoke, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

   Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

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