ABSTRACT

The effeci of four rates of NPK Ferti•lizer: 0, 100, 150 and 200kg/ha, mulch(using Terminalia catappa) and theif interactions on growth and yield of okra were studied. A split plot experimental design was used for the study with three replications. The mulch treatment significantly (P < 0.01) decreased soil temperature. Mulch also significantly (P 0.05) increased soil moisture content at 0-15cm and 15-30cm. The mean plant height, the fresh fruit weight, fresh fruit number and dry matter production were not significantly affected by the mulch (P > 0.05). The fertilizer trcatment followed the same trend. However, fertilizer application of 100kg/ha in unmuiched plots gave the highest results for all the growth parameters assessed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE TITLE

CERTIFICATION ..

ABSTRACT . -

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DEDICATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF TABLES

CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION:

PAGE i

CHAPTER 2: .. .. .. 3

LITERATURE REVIEW .. 3

2.1 Origin and Distribution .. .. 3

2.2 Botanical Description and Varieties .. 3-4

2.3 Agronomic Practices .. .. 4

2.4 Environmental Requirement .. .. 4-5

2.5 Utilization and Nutrient Content .. .. 5-6

2.6 Pests and Diseases .. .. 6

2.7 Maturity and Harvesting .. .. 6.

2.8 Mulching and Fertilizing .. .. 6-10

CHAPTER 3: .. ..

MATERIALS AND METHODS .. ..

3.1.1 Experimental Site ..

3.1.2 Land use of Experimental Site .. .. 11

3.2 Experimental Layout and Treatment . - 11-12

3.3 Planting Material/Planting .. • . 12-13

3.4 Analytical Procedures ..13

3.5 Parameters Measured. .. • . 13-14

CHAPTER 4 15

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 15-28

REFERENCES 29-33

APPENDIX 34-51

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title

1. Effect of mulch on mean 90i1 temperature 18

2. Effect of mulch on Soil moisture at O-15c 19

3. Effect of mulch on Soil moisture at 15-30cm 20

4. Effect of different fertilizer rates on 25

growth of Okra.