Integration of Nanourea with Conventional Fertilizers to Enhance Growth, Productivity and Profitability of Okra

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of nanourea along with varying fertilizer doses on the growth, productivity and profitability of okra (cv. Hisar Unnat) during spring-summer season (2023) at the Regional Research Centre, Raiya (Jhajjar) of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal. The experiment followed a randomized block design with ten treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments included various fertilizer doses (control, 50% RDF, 75% RDF and 100% RDF) along with nanourea @ 4ml/l (applied once at 25 DAS or twice at 25 and 40 DAS). The results revealed that the application of 100% RDF alongside nanourea application twice (T4) resulted in the maximum plant height at all observed growth stages (30, 60, 90 days after sowing and at final harvesting), as well as notable increases in the quantity of fruits per plant (31.94%) compared to the control. Treatment T4 and T3 maximized yield per plant, surpassing 100% RDF (T2: 217.44 g) by 4.9–5.1%. Treatment T4 also provided highest economic efficiency with B: C ratio of 1.85. Reducing the RDF to 75% or 50% alongside nanourea applications (T5-T8) resulted in moderate growth and yield attributes, suggesting that nanourea supplementation improves productivity, it may not fully compensate for the reduction in the primary fertilizer dose under the experimental conditions. These findings suggest that optimal okra production requires balanced fertilizer application combined with strategic nanourea supplementation.