INFLUENCE OF WATER HYACINTH EICCHONIA CRASSIPES (MARTS). SOLMS AND COWDUNG ON SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND GROWTH OF OKRA, ABELMOSCUS ESCULANTUS (L)MOENCH)

Abstract

This study evaluated effect of Cowdung and Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The study was conducted at the Biological Sciences Garden of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto in 2012/2013 wet season. The treatments consisted of cure cowdung and water hyacinth at 5, 10, 20 and 40% incorporated with the top soil. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated five times. Soil chemical analysis was carried out before and after planting on pH, %Org. M, %Org. C, %N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg and C.E.C. Proximate and mineral analysis of cowdung and water hyacinth, were determined. Data on number of leaves, leaf length, number of fruits, fruit dry weight, stalk dry weight and root length were taken for ten weeks beginning from two weeks after planting (2WAP). The result revealed that plant height and numbers of leaves of okra were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the application of cowdung and water hyacinth. No significant (p>0.05) effect, of concentrations on number of fruits, fruit dry weight, stalk dry weight and root length. Interaction between the manure and concentration did not show significant (p>0.05) effect on the parameters. The application of both cowdung and water hyacinth at 40, 20, 10 and 5% concentration enhanced growth and yield of okra, as well as the soil nutrients availability. However, 40% application of cowdung and water hyacinth enhanced Organic matter, N, P and CEC of the soil. While cowdung favor plant height and numbers of leaves followed by the water .hyacinth. This study suggested that cowdung and water hyacinth could be useful in the improvement of soil nutrient status and growth of okra.