EFFECT OF DIFFERENT RATE OF POULTRY MANURE ON THE YIELD OF OKRA

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a major vegetable crop in tropical and subtropical regions, is highly valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and economic importance. Despite its wide cultivation, okra productivity is often limited by low soil fertility and nutrient deficiencies, particularly in smallholder farming systems. To address these challenges, organic fertilizers such as poultry manure, rich in essential macronutrients including phosphorus and potassium, are increasingly being adopted as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers. This study was designed to examine the effects of different poultry manures phosphate-based and potassium- based on the yield of okra, with the aim of determining their individual and interactive contributions to crop performance. A factorial experiment involving three factors chemical type, phosphate, and potassium was conducted using a three-factor factorial design with replications. Data collected from Ajibade and Co. Farms Limited were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess the significance of the main effects and interaction effects. The results indicated that the individual effects of chemical, phosphate, and potassium fertilizers on okra yield were not statistically significant. Similarly, most two-way and three-way interaction effects were not significant. However, the interaction between chemical and potassium fertilizers produced a significant positive effect on okra yield, suggesting that nutrient synergy between these factors is crucial for enhancing productivity. The study concludes that while sole application of phosphate, potassium, or chemical fertilizers does not significantly increase okra yield, the combined application of chemical and potassium fertilizers has the potential to improve output. This underscores the importance of integrated nutrient management strategies in okra cultivation. It is recommended that farmers avoid reliance on single nutrient sources but instead apply complementary combinations for better results. Agricultural extension services should also sensitize farmers on the benefits of such integrated fertilizer use. Furthermore, future studies should investigate the optimal application rates, the long- term effects on soil health, and the performance of these combinations under different environmental and soil conditions.