Effect Of Foliar Application Of Natural Fertilizers On Growth And Yield Of OKRA ( Abelmoschus Esculentus L )

Abstract

This experiment evaluates the effect of foliar application of banana and orange peei sap combine with inorganic fertilizer on growth and yield of okra. The study was carried out from Vlarch 2021 to June 2024 at the Facuif-v-- of Technology, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. The stud-v design is CRD with five featments and four replicates in this experiment. Treatments are Tr (Control) - The recommended amount of inorganic fertilizer by the Department of Agriculture (RDOA) , T2- 213 amount of RDOA and application of organic liquid fertilrzer 2 times, T:- 213 amount of RDOA and application of organic liquid fertilizer 3 times, Tr2l3 amount of RDOA and application of organic liquid fertilizer 4 times, Ts- application of organic liquid fertilizer 4 times. The paiameters such as number of ieaves per plant, plant height, and leaf area were measured at two-week intervals. Number of flowers per plant was obtained at 4th week after planting. Number of pods per plant and yield per plant were obtained at the time harvesting. Analysis of variance was performed to determine significant differences among treatments. According to the anai_v-sis of this study, the highest average vaiues for the plant height. leaf area, number of pods per plant and yield per plant were observed in treatment T+. Overall, the lowest average values tbr these parameters for observed in control treatment. According to the overall results of this study, it suggested that 4 times organic liquid fertilizer combined with 213 amount of inorganic fertilizer by RDOA provides better yield performance of okra. The application of organic liquid fertilizer made from banana and orange peels is a successfui and sustainable approach for reducing inorganic fertilizer requirement as well as increasing crop growth and yield of okra.