Impact of Drip Fertigation on Leaf Area Index, Root Biomass and Quality Parameters of Lady’s Finger (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Background: The integration of drip irrigation and nitrogen fertilization presents a synergistic approach to optimize okra production. Drip irrigation not only ensures efficient water use but also facilitates the precise application of fertilizers, thereby enhancing nutrient availability and nutrient uptake. This targeted approach helps in minimizing nutrient losses through leaching and volatilization, issues commonly associated with conventional fertilization application. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Water Technology Centre, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during summer, 2021 on “Optimization of irrigation and nitrogen levels under drip fertigation in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot with three replications Bhendi crop (Radhika hybrid) was sown at a spacing of 40 cm x 45 cm. The treatments comprised of three irrigation levels scheduled through drip scheduledat 0.75 Epan, 1.0 Epan and 1.25 Epanin main-plots and four nitrogen levels viz., 75% RDN (112.5 kg N ha-1), 100% RDN (150 kg N ha-1), 125% RDN (187.5 kg N ha-1) and 150% RDN (225 kg N ha-1) in sub-plots. Experimental soil was sandy clay in texture, alkaline in reaction, medium in organic carbon content, low in available nitrogen, high in available phosphorous and available potassium, respectively. Result: The results indicated that, the highest leaf area index, root biomass, pod chlorophyll content and crude fibre content were highest under drip irrigation scheduled at 1.0 Epan treatment. Among the nitrogen levels the highest leaf area index, root biomass, pod chlorophyll content and crude fibre content were recorded with 100% RDN (N2) treat. Among the interaction of treatment combinations, the crop irrigation scheduled at 1.0 Epan in conjunction with 100% RDN (I2N2) recorded maximum leaf area index, root biomass, pod chlorophyll content and crude fibre content.