Effects of different palm oil mill sludge cake rates on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Abstract Okra, also known as ladies’ fingers or Bendi in Malaysia is a valuable vegetable grown with high demand and significant economic value. However, traditional cultivation methods heavily reliant on chemical fertilizers pose sustainability and environmental challenges. Therefore, this study explores the potential of using organic waste as a soil amendment to enhance okra growth and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. This study aims to determine the growth and yield of okra in soil amended with different rates of palm oil mill sludge cake (POMSC). Okra aged 14 days was used as planting material. The okra seedlings were planted under the rain shelter into polyethylene bags filled with topsoil and palm oil mill sludge cake (POMSC) at different rates as treatment. The palm oil mill sludge cake (POMSC) was applied at the following rate: 0 (treated as control), 2%, 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/w). The plant trials were laid in a completely randomized design (CRD) with six replications. Manual weeding was regularly conducted to mitigate nutrient competition among the plants. In addition, watering was carried out accordingly to maintain an adequate moisture level in the growth medium. Pesticides were applied when necessary. The parameters assessed were plant height, stem diameter, plant canopy, number of leaves, number of pods, and pod weight. The results showed that the optimum rate of POMSC that provides okra better growth performance was at 10% of palm oil mill sludge cake (POMSC). Therefore, it shows that palm oil mill sludge cake (POMCS) can be utilize effectively to enhance soil quality and makes it suitable for incorporation into planting medium for vegetable cultivation.