Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Some Physical and Chemical Properties of Ultisols and Growth Parameters of Okro (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Abstract

This study was carried out at the Rivers State University Teaching and Research Farm, Port Harcourt to assess and evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on some Physical and Chemical Properties on Ultisol and growth of Okra. Recommended rate of NPK 15:15:15 was applied at the rate of 0.25kg/10kg of soil, poultry dropping and cow dropping were also applied at the rate of 5kg/10kg of Soil and it was replicated Four times. Soil samples were collected at the end of the study and analysis were carried out. The results obtained from the study revealed that Sand particles had the highest particle size distribution, ranging from 884g/kg in both control and poultry dropping/cow dropping combine to 916g/kg in the plot treated with NPK. It was also observed that Silt particle increased from 2g/kg in the plot treated with NPK to 34 g/kg in the control plot and plot treated with poultry dropping/cow dropping combine, Clay content ranged from 62g/kg in the plot treated with cow dropping to 82g/kg in the control plot and plot treated with cow dropping, poultry dropping and poultry dropping/cow dropping combine. The results show that the soils were acidic with the pH ranging from 4.54 to 5.21. The organic matter content ranges from 8.6 to 18.1g/kg, organic carbon ranges from 5.1 to 10.5g/kg Total N ranges from 0.1 to 18.1g/kg, Ava. P increases from 49.61 to 70.18g/mg. Total exchangeable acidity ranges from 0.96 to 2.56Cmol/kg. This study shows that soils amended with poultry dropping had more positive effect on both soil and growth of okra, The use of Poultry dropping by farmers will give optimum yield, when making use of poultry dropping or cow dung as fertilizer, it should be applied at least 2 weeks before planting for optimum yield.