EFFECT OF MAGNETICALLY TREATED IRRIGATION WATER AND BIOCHAR AMENDMENT ON SOIL PROPERTIES, GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF OKRA {ABELOMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS}
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the effect of magnetically treated irrigation water (MTW) and biochar amendment on soil properties, germination, and early growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Kwara State University, Malete, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments: T1 (Control – non-magnetized water, no biochar), T2 (MTW only), and T3 (MTW + Biochar), each replicated ten times. Growth and soil parameters measured included germination percentage, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, water use efficiency, soil moisture, bulk density, and organic carbon content.
The results revealed that germination increased from 78% in the control to 89.5% under MTW and 96.5% under MTW + Biochar. At 30 days after sowing, mean plant height was 29.8 cm (T1), 35.1 cm (T2), and 38.4 cm (T3). Water use efficiency also improved, with values of 8.82 g/L (T1), 10.66 g/L (T2), and 11.76 g/L (T3). Biochar application enhanced soil quality by increasing moisture content, reducing bulk density, and improving organic carbon.
The combined application of MTW and biochar significantly improved germination, growth performance, and soil properties compared to either treatment alone. This integrated approach demonstrates a low-cost, sustainable strategy for boosting okra production, particularly for smallholder farmers facing soil fertility decline and water scarcity challenges.
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