Effects of different levels of NPK (20: 10: 10) fertilizer on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria (implication for extension service delivery)

Umeri, C., Onyemkonwu, R. C., Moseri, H., Belonwu, N. E., Chisonum, M., Imahia, I. M.

Abstract: Field trial was conducted at the University of Delta Agbor demonstration farm with focus to evaluate different levels of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer during the 2022 cropping season on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The fertilizer was applied at 0, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg/ha-1. The five levels of fertilizer were replicated four times in the experimental design, which was a randomized complete block. The parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth and yield of the plant. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% probability level. Results show that plant height was highest in 250 kg/ha (10.00 cm) and least in 0 kg/ha (9.30 cm) at 2WAP with no significant difference among the various treatments. Number of leaves per plant showed no significant difference across the treatment at 2, 4 and 8 WAP with significant differences at 10 and 12WAP. Leaf area per plant showed significant differences at 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12 WAP. At 2WAP, leaf area per plant was highest in treatment 200 kg/ha (23.65 cm2) and least in 100 kg/ha (15.32 cm2). Stem girth showed significant difference across the treatments at 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12 WAP. At 2 WAP, and was highest in treatment 0 kg/ha (1.40 cm) and least in treatment 250 kg/ha, at 12 WAP, stem girth was highest in treatment 250 kg/ha (5.00 cm) and least in 150 kg/ha (3.20 cm). Significant differences existed in the yield across the treatments 0 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha, and 200 kg/ha at 8WAP and yield was highest at 10WAP in treatment 150 kg/ha (0.15 t/ha) and lowest 200 kg/ha (0.03 t/ha). At 10WAP, yield was highest in treatment 200 kg/ha (0.045 t/ha) and least in 250 kg/ha (0.03 t/ha). At 12 WAP, yield was highest in treatment 200 kg/ha (2.16 t/ha) and least in treatment 0 kg/ha (1.02 t/ha). It was concluded that the application of 200 kg/ha of N: P: K: 20:10:10 performed better both in vegetative parameters and yield and was therefore recommended for extension interventions.

Keywords: fertilizer; growth characters; okra; treatment; yields

Citation: Umeri, C., Onyemkonwu, R. C., Moseri, H., Belonwu, N. E., Chisonum, M. & Imahia, I. M. (2025). Effects of different levels of NPK (20: 10: 10) fertilizer on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria (implication for extension service delivery). Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 31(2), 295–300.

Date published: 2025-04-28