Nepal's pursuit of sustainable food production and rural livelihoods faces challenges amid evolving environmental pressures. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) cultivation, integral to Nepalese agriculture, demands innovative approaches to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact. This study investigates the efficacy of varied organic fertilizers on okra growth and development, aiming to identify sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers. The research was conducted at the G.P. Koirala College of Agriculture and Research Centre in Sundarharaicha, Morang, Nepal, from June to August 2023. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eight treatments replicated three times was employed, including recommended NPK dosage and various organic sources. Observations on plant height, primary branches, pods per plant, pod length, diameter, weight per pod, and yield per plant were recorded. Statistical analysis revealed significant variations among treatments. The highest yield was obtained with the recommended NPK dosage (108.84 g/plant), closely followed by biofertilizers like 100% mustard cake (103.70 g/plant) and goat manure (104.28 g/plant). The lowest yield was observed in the control group (76.99 g/plant). Notably, NPK fertilizer consistently outperformed organic alternatives in promoting okra growth and yield. However, among organic fertilizers, mustard cake and goat manure emerged as promising alternatives, showcasing comparable results to synthetic fertilizers. These findings underscore the importance of balanced nutrient management in optimizing okra productivity. Future research should explore integrated nutrient management strategies, combining organic and synthetic inputs, to enhance sustainability and resilience in Nepalese agriculture.
Not applicable
The authors did not receive any funding during and after the completion of the study
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dipesh Kumar Mehata for his invaluable assistance during the study period. His invaluable support and guidance throughout the research period and during manuscript preparation greatly contributed to the success of this research. We are deeply thankful for his dedication and support
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Plant Nutrition and Soil Fertility |
Journal Section | Research Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | |
Submission Date | May 6, 2024 |
Acceptance Date | July 19, 2024 |
Published in Issue | Year 2024 Volume: 6 Issue: 2 |
Turkish Journal of Food and Agriculture Sciences is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Journal Abbreviation: Turk J Food Agric Sci