Effects of Irrigation Interval and Mulching Rates on the growth and yield of Okra in Abeokuta, Nigeria

• K.O. Ayoola

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

  Author

• A.R. 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.S. Akinbola

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

  Author

The effects of irrigation interval and mulching rates on the growth and yield of okra was investigated in pot experiment in the screen house of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in 2024. A split plot experiment, fitted into a completely Randomised Design (CRD), with 3 replicates had treatments comprising 3 levels of maize mulch (0 t/ha, 5 t/ha and 10 t/ha) and 3 irrigation intervals (2, 4 and 6 days). The analysis of soil physicochemical parameters revealed high soil pH (7.9), high organic carbon (2.11 %), low exchangeable cation Ca ˃ Mg ˃ Na ˃ K and low Nitrogen (0.19%). The single effect of irrigation interval on growth parameters showed that both Plant height and leaf area of okra, at 4 days irrigation interval, ranged between 26.13 to 69.67 and between 54.23 to 359.8 from 4 WAP to 9 WAP respectively. The values were significantly (p< 0.05) higher than those of 2 days and 6 days irrigation intervals. The effect of mulching rates on the growth parameters showed that both Plant height and leaf area of okra, at 10 t/ha mulching rate, ranged between 35.88 and 66.63 and between 26.77 and 333.01 from 6 WAP to 9 WAP respectively. These values were significantly (p< 0.05) higher than those of 5 t/ha and 0 t/ha mulching rates. The combined effects of irrigation interval and mulching rates on okra yield gave a 700 g/plant at 4 days irrigation interval and okra yield of 670 gram/plant at 10 t/ha mulching rate. These values were higher than other treatments. Thus, interaction of 4 days’ irrigation interval with 10 t/ha mulching rate best utilised growth and yield and is therefore recommended for okra production 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. A.R. Ayoola, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

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

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

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

4. A.S. Akinbola, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

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

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