Effect of Fertigation Levels and Drip System Layout on Performance of Okra under Plastic Mulch

Anu Varughese; Jalaja S. Menon; E.K.Mathew

doi:10.52151/jae2014514.1563

Authors

Anu Varughese Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, Malappuram - 679573, Kerala (India) Author
Jalaja S. Menon Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, Malappuram - 679573, Kerala (India) Author
E.K.Mathew Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, Malappuram - 679573, Kerala (India) Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52151/jae2014514.1563

Keywords:

Fertigation, okra, drip layout, plastic mulch, drip irrigation

Abstract

The study was conducted to standardize the fertigation levels and to find out a suitable drip system layout for okra (Arka Anamika). Initially, trials were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of fertigation and to evolve a suitable and cost effective cultivation practice for okra grown in the humid tropical climate of Kerala during summer season of 2011. It was found that fertigation with 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizer under drip irrigation and plastic mulching gave an average yield of 664g.plant-1, which was almost double when compared to the standard practice with average yield of 296g.plant-1. In continuation, another trial was laid out in 2012 to determine the effect of different fertigation levels. It was found that fertigation with120% of recommended dose (N:P:K@50:8:25 kg.ha-1) gave maximum yield of 421.7g.plant-1, which was at par with that of 100% level of the recommended dose (371.8g.plant-1). Further, a third trial was conducted to standardize the fertigation level needed for irrigated okra.

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