Impact of Nutrient Management on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Growth and Yield: A Comprehensive Review

Author: Sarita Sahu

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Abstract

Integrated nutrient management (INM) significantly enhances okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) growth and yield attributes, including plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem diameter, biomass accumulation, number of pods, pod length, pod weight, and total yield per hectare. By integrating organic manures such as farmyard manure, vermicompost, and poultry manure with inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers like Azotobacter, Azospirillum, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, INM improves soil fertility, nutrient uptake, and microbial activity, fostering robust vegetative growth and higher yields. Research from 2010 to 2021 highlights INM’s role in promoting sustainable okra production through enhanced nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and improved soil structure. Organic manures provide slow-release nutrients, while biofertilizers boost nutrient availability, and inorganic fertilizers ensure immediate nutrient supply, creating a synergistic effect. However, challenges in adopting INM include the high cost and limited availability of organic manures and biofertilizers, particularly for smallholder farmers. Soil and climatic variability necessitate site-specific strategies, complicating uniform application. Overuse of inorganic fertilizers within INM risks nutrient imbalances, while labor-intensive preparation of organic amendments may deter adoption. Addressing these challenges through cost-effective INM formulations, scalable biofertilizer production, and policy support for organic input subsidies is essential to ensure sustainable okra cultivation and economic benefits for farmers

Keywords

Integrated nutrient management, okra, growth attributes, yield attributes, organic manures, biofertilizers, sustainable agriculture

Conclusion

Nutrient management, particularly INM, significantly enhances okra’s growth attributes, including plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, and biomass. Research from 2010 to 2021 underscores the efficacy of combining organic manures, inorganic fertilizers, and biofertilizers to improve soil fertility and plant vigor. These strategies offer sustainable solutions for optimizing okra productivity while addressing environmental concerns. Continued research and tailored INM practices can further enhance growth attributes, supporting food security and farmer livelihoods. Nutrient management, particularly INM, significantly enhances okra’s yield attributes, including pod number, pod weight, pod length, and total yield. Research from 2010 to 2021, encompassing diverse studies, underscores the efficacy of combining organic manures, inorganic fertilizers, and biofertilizers to optimize soil fertility and plant productivity. By improving nutrient uptake, soil health, and plant vigor, INM offers a sustainable approach to boost okra production while addressing environmental concerns. Overcoming challenges like input availability and variability through research and policy support can further enhance yield attributes, ensuring economic and ecological benefits for farmers and global food systems.

References

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How to cite this article

Sarita Sahu (2021). Impact of Nutrient Management on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Growth and Yield: A Comprehensive Review. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 13(1): 812-819