EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION METHOD AND SOIL AMENDMENT PRACTICES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS) IN NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Achieving equitable, sustainable and healthy food systems is essential to meeting global development goals. Improving the agricultural industry is one of the best strategies for eradicating extreme poverty. The main objective of this research was to assess the effects of irrigation methods and soil amendment practices on the yield and growth of okra in Northern Region of Ghana. The experiment was started on 16th May to 01st July 2024 at the West African Centre for Water, Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture, University for Development Studies (WACWISA - UDS) Experimental Field in Nyankpala. A 2 x 4 factorial experimental set up in a split-plot design with three (3) replications was used. Supplementary irrigation (SI) by drip irrigation system and rainfed agriculture were the main plots, whereas soil amendment practices (Cow dung, NPK, combination of Cow dung + NPK and zero Cow dung + NPK) were sub-plots. The field area was 8 m × 10.2 m. Results showed that the soil pH, EC, phosphorus and nitrogen decreased after all treatments were administered. The interaction of Cc0NPK*S had the best plant growth parameters, including leaf area index (mean was 2.33), plant height (65.1 cm); stem girth (1.97 cm), number of leaves per plant (28.67) and chlorophyll (55.4) content. The best yield was in the interactions, CcNPK*S (41.4 kg/ha) and Cc0NPK*S (39.9 kg/ha). The interaction of CcNPK*R (42.48 kg/m3) had the highest crop water productivity, thereby making more productive use of water. The supplementary irrigation method had the best-performing leaf area index, plant height, stem girth, number of leaves per plant, chlorophyll content and yield. However, the rainfed method of irrigation used water more productively. The best yield (30.85 t/ha), growth parameters, and crop water productivity (30.89 Kg/m3) were obtained from the CcNPK*R soil amendment practice. This practice is recommended for farmers to improve their yield while using water more efficiently.