Impact of Tillage Practices and Soil Amendments on Soil Strength and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Nigeria

Abstract

The combined effects of tillage, soil strength and organic soil amendment influence crop yield. The study evaluated the effects of tillage and different soil amendment sources on soil strength, moisture content and okra yield in the Osun State University Teaching and Research Farm. There were 12 treatment combinations: i. TRP (Plough + Poultry dung) ii. SPP (Spray + Poultry dung) iii. TCD (Plough + Cow dung) iv. TRF (Plough + NPK 15 15 15) v. SPC (Spray + Cow dung) vi. SLC. (Slash + Cow dung) vii. SPF (Spray + NPK 15 15 15) viii. TRO (Plough Only) ix. SLP (Slash + Poultry dung) x. SLF (Slash + NPK 15 15 15) xi. SPO (Spray Only) xii SLO (Slash Only). Results revealed that soil strength averaged across TRF (1.91 MPa), SLC (1.7 MPa), SPP (1.53 MPa) and TCD (1.59 MPa) in the year 2021 has been reduced to TRF (1.1 MPa), SLC (1.19 MPa), SPP (1.25 MPa) and TCD (1.25 MPa) in the year 2022, approximately 42.41 %, 30 %, 22.88 % and 21.36 % respectively. Experimental plots with TRP (2.86 t ha-1) and SPP (1.88 t ha-1) had the highest okra yield and were significantly different from TRO (0.60 t ha-1), SPO (0.31 tons ha-1), and SLO (0.25 t ha-1) in the year 2022. Organic soil amendment practices can lower soil strength, enhance moisture storage and promote good root growth characteristics. Environment; Physical degradation; Experimental plot; Soil moisture; Abelmoschus esculentus