Effects of different tillage systems on the emergence of okra in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different tillage methods on the emergence of okra. Research method: The study was carried out at the teaching and research farm of the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State in July 2018. Tillage treatments in the study were no-tillage, disc plowing, and disc plowing followed by disc harrowing, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design, replicated three times. Each plot was (4.0 m × 3.0 m) with a 1.5 m gaps between the plots/replicates and blocks. Findings: The results indicated that the tillage methods had no significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects on the emergence of okra seeds. The maximum values of the number of emerged seeds (52 seeds), percentage emergence (92.86%), emergence rate (16.30%.day-1) and seed vigor index (40.08 seeds.day-1) were obtained in the plowing and harrowing method. In comparison, the minimum values of the number of emerged seeds (45 seeds), percentage emergence (80.36%), emergence rate (16.13%.day-1) and seed vigor index (32.77 seeds.day-1) were obtained in the no-tillage method. The plowing and harrowing approach had the lowest values of mean seed emergence time (6.13days) and seedling mortality rate (5.77%) while the no-tillage process had the highest amounts of mean seed emergence time (6.20days) and seedling mortality rate (13.33%). Limitations: There were no limitations to the report.Originality/Value: The results suggest the plowing and harrowing method may be utilized as a more appropriate and profitable tillage method in improving soil physical properties and seed emergence of okra.