Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus intraradices) and compost fertilizer on selected soil properties, growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L (MOENCH).) in Niger State.

Abstract

This experiment evaluated the potentials of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi ((AMF) Glomus intraradices) and compost fertilizer (CF) on okra performance and selected soil properties. Four treatments consisting of sole AMF (10 g plot^-1), CF (500 g plot^-1), their combination (AMF+CF; 5 g+250 g plot^-1) and an absolute control was laid in a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times at the Horticulture and Landscape Teaching and Research farm, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State. Okra (Clemson spineless) was grown till maturity; growth and yield parameters were taken, selected soil physical and chemical properties were carried out in Soil Science and Land Management, laboratory, F.U.T. Minna. Significant treatment means were separated using Least Significant Difference (p<0.05). The results shows that for most okra growth parameters taken (Plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, fruit number and fruit weight), significant (P<0.05) increase with the application of AMF, AMF+CF compared to the sole use of CF and control were observed. Likewise, the use of AMF, AMF+CF and CF, increased Total Nitrogen, Available phosphorus and Organic carbon in soil as compared to the control plot after harvest. This implies that the use of AMF, AMF+CF and CF are beneficial to the enhancement of okra growth and yield and could serve as a promising soil fertility amendment if well managed.