Growth and Yield Performance of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L.) Fertilized with Inorganic Fertilizer And Biocarbon
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: A pot experiment was carried out to assess the influence of biocarbon (biochar-based granulated organic fertilizer) on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) growth and yield. The study also aims to suggest appropriate application rates of biocarbon-inorganic fertilizer combinations. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five treatments and ten replicates. Treatments include T1 (control) - which is the recommended quantity of inorganic fertilizer by Department of Agriculture (RDOA); T2 - 1/2 RDOA+12 tons/ha biocarbon; T3 - 1/2 RDOA+15 tons/ha biocarbon; T4 - 1/2 RDOA+18 tons/ha biocarbon; and T5 - 1/2 RDOA+21 tons/ha biocarbon. Biochar was applied at the time of basal fertilizer application. The DOA’s recommendations were followed for all other agronomic practices, with the exception of using fertilizer. Stem diameter and plant height were measured every two weeks intervals. At harvest time, measurements were taken of the number of pods per plant, pod diameter, fresh weight per pod, and total yield. Significant differences between treatments were identified using analysis of variance (p˂0.05). The finding showed that comparison to the control (T1), treatments that combined biocarbon with inorganic fertilizer (T2 to T5) significantly increased plant growth and yield. The greatest yield and growth parameters were observed in T4 (1/2 RDOA+18 tons/ha biocarbon), demonstrating the effectiveness of biocarbon in enhanced soil fertility by nutrient retention and uptake. These findings suggest that the application of biocarbon in addition to synthetic fertilizer can increase okra yield while lowering the over use of inorganic fertilizer. The study also highlights the potential use of biocarbon in vegetable cultivation as a sustainable way to increase crop productivity.
Authors: Loshini, A, Santhirakanthan, S
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7221581847
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