COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF OKRA ON ALFISOL SOILS IN JALINGO

This study was carried out at the experimental field of Taraba State University to evaluate the effects of organic, inorganic, and their combined applications as organo-mineral on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cultivated on Alfisol soils in Jalingo, Taraba State. The study was a pot experiment evaluated using completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The results showed that the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers consistently outperformed the separate use of sole organic and or inorganic fertilizers, producing significantly higher growth and yield metrics. The application of the organo-mineral fertilizer at 80 kg N ha-1 resulted in the tallest plants, largest leaf areas, and highest fruit yields. The Poultry manure application improved higher soil organic carbon and pH levels indicating its potential benefits for long-term soil health. Post-harvest soil analysis revealed enhanced levels of most macro- and micronutrients- particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and manganese-under the organo-mineral usage compared to other treatments. These trends underscore the agronomic and environmental advantages of integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers to enhance okra production and soil fertility management, offering a practical and sustainable strategy for farmers on okra production in the study area.