EFFECTS OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Abstract

An attempt was undertaken to evaluate the effect of different doses of nitrogen and phosphorous doses on morphological characteristics and yield attributes of okra at the research field laboratory of Department of Crop Physiology and Ecology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur during the period from April to July 2015. The experiment was designed with factorial combinations of four doses on nitrogen (0, 80, 100, 120 kg N/ha) and four doses on phosphorous (0, 30, 40, 60 kg P/ha), laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that plant height, plant diameter, leaf length, number of leaves, number of brunches, pod length, number of pods, and yield of okra significantly affected by the main effect of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizer. Combined effect of two fertilizers was also remained significant on various growth and yield contributing characteristics of okra. The highest plant height (100.65 cm), maximum number of leaves (62.68) and maximum number of brunches (6.51) were found from N3P2 (120 kg N/ha and 45 kg P/ha) treatment. Similarly, maximum number of pods per plant (38.19) with the highest pod length (13.33 cm) of okra was produced from N3P2 treatment. Furthermore, application of 120 kg N/ha and 45 kg P/ha produced maximum yield of okra (6.66 kg/plot and 9.55 t/ha). Finally, 120 kg N/ha and 45 kg P/ha could be suggested as optimum fertilizer dose for the maximum growth and yield of okra.