Effect of Compost Mixes on Vegetative Development and Fruit Yield of Okra (Abelmoscus Esculentus)

Abstract

Effects of different compost mixes at 10tons ha-1 were studied on okra in 2009 to 2010 planting season. The experiment was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Data collected were averaged over the two trials before being subjected to statistical analysis of variance and significant means compared using Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Nutrient analyses indicated that Tithonia compost (Th2pm) performed best followed by Chromonela compost (Ch3pm) and celosia compost (Ce3pm). Okra planted with Tithonia compost (Th2pm), cassava peel compost (Ca2pm) and elephant compost (Eg2pm) similarly had higher plant height. Cassava peel compost (Ca3pm), elephant grass compost (Eg2pm), cassava peel compost (Ca2pm) and elephant grass compost (Eg3pm) significantly had higher and similar effect on stem girth of okra, while okra planted with cassava peel compost(Ca2pm) and elephant grass compost(Eg2pm) significantly had higher number of leaves throughout the growing period. Okra planted with cassava peel compost (Ca2pm) significantly had higher number of fruit and fruit weight than other compost mixes.