Effect of drip irrigation, mulch and nitrogen fertigation on yield and yield attributes of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2004 and 2005 to investigate the effect of drip irrigation, mulch and nitrogen fertigation on yield performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). The results of pooled data for 2 years revealed that length and girth of pod, number of pods and pod weight/plant were significantly increased in drip irrigation at 0.8 pan evaporation fraction. The highest pod yield (20 796 kg/ha) was recorded in drip irrigation at 0.8 pan evaporation fraction and was higher by 46.25% over the surface irrigation with 30.48 kg/ha-mm water-use efficiency. Significantly lower weed density and dry weight of weeds were recorded in drip irrigation treatments than the surface irrigation method. Pod size (length and girth), number of pod (24.36) and pod weight (240.06 g)/plant were significantly higher under black polyethylene mulch. Black polyethylene mulch increased pod yield by 29.65% over no mulch with lower weed growth. Nitrogen fertigation with 100% recommended dose gave higher pod yield (16 972 kg/ha) and yield attributes. This treatment also showed higher weed growth. Maximum pod yield was observed under drip irrigation at 0.8 pan evaporation fraction in conjunction with either black polyethylene mulch or 100% recommended dose of nitrogen with 18% saving of water compared with the Surface irrigation with 100% recommended dose of nitrogen.