Determining the Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth Parameters of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Abstract

Fruits and vegetables have an important role in dietary guidance because of their concentrations of vitamins, especially vitamin A and C; minerals, especially electrolytes; and more recently phytochemicals especially antioxidants. Fertilizer usage plays a major role in the universal need to increase food production to meet the demands of the growing world population. The extent to which fertilizers are used still differs considerably among various regions of the country. On the other hand, organic manures help in the restoration of soil health and maintain the productivity and fertility of the soil for a longer duration. The study aimed to investigate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the growth parameters of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.). Moench], cultivar Pusa Bhindi-5. The field experiment was carried out at the Horticulture farm of R.B.S. Agriculture College, Bichpuri, Agra (U.P.) during the Kharif season 2023-24. Nine different treatments comprising various combinations of organic manures (FYM, Vermicompost) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK) were applied. The results revealed that treatment T9 [100% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha + FYM @20t/ha] influenced all growth parameters like plant height (131.50 cm), number of leaves per plant (55.16), length of longest leaf (21.10 cm), the width of the longest leaf (23.75), number of branches (4.58). The minimum values of growth parameters were recorded in the control treatment. The lowest values of all these parameters were recorded under control. Among the treatments application of 100% RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertilizer) combined with vermicompost @5t/ha and FYM @20t/ha was most effective, resulting in higher growth parameters at Agra regions. Results demonstrated that treatments combining organic and inorganic fertilizers significantly enhanced plant growth, fruit yield, and overall productivity compared to control treatments. Long-term field experiments should be conducted to study the sustained effects of integrated nutrient management on soil health, yield and quality over several cropping seasons.