Impact of Organic Amendments on the Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Udayapur, Nepal

Abstract

Background: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an important vegetable crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions due to its nutritional, economic, and dietary value. Its growth and yield are strongly influenced by soil fertility, nutrient availability, and crop management practices. Evaluating the effects of different organic amendments on okra is therefore important for identifying sustainable soil fertility management practices that can enhance crop growth and yield while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Methods: This study, conducted at Triyuga-4, Bagaha, Gaighat, Udayapur, Nepal, from January to June 2022, aimed to evaluate the effects of different organic manures on the growth and yield of okra. The field experiment employed a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications, examining seven treatments: Control, Farmyard Manure (FYM), Vermicompost, Kishanzyme, Neem cake, Vermicompost + Kishanzyme, and Vermicompost + Neem cake + FYM. Variables analyzed included growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves, and number of branches), fruit characteristics (fruit length, fruit weight, and average fruit weight), and yield parameters (days to first picking, yield, and number of pickings). Result: The findings revealed a significant impact of organic manure on okra yield. Vermicompost treatment had the highest yield (569.37 kg/ha), followed by FYM (458.01 kg/ha), Kishanzyme, and the control. Vermicompost notably enhanced growth parameters, including plant height, days to first picking, fruit length, weight, average fruit weight, and overall yield. In the control treatment, okra showed moderate growth and yield across various parameters, including plant height (30.63 cm at 60 Days after sowing (DAS), number of leaves (30.07 at 60 DAS), and yield (338.80 kg/ha), serving as a baseline for comparison with organic manure treatments. The study highlights that Vermicompost and FYM significantly improve okra production, offering valuable insights for sustainable agricultural practices in Eastern Nepal and recommending their use to farmers in the Udayapur region and elsewhere with similar climates and landscapes globally.