EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT MULCHING MATERIALS ON PERFORMANCE AND YIELD OF OKRA IN MAHOTTARI, NEPAL

Abstract

The efficacy of different organic and inorganic mulches in modulating the environment, growth, performance, and yield of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)] was compared in the field experiment in Matihani, Mahottari from 2078 Falgun to 2079 Ashad. Okra (variety SVOK 5151) was direct seeded in single rows. The experiment consisted of 5 treatments as follows: control, black plastic mulch, rice straw, wheat st, raw, and sawdust with four replications designed in RCBD. Seed germination significantly differed with the type of mulching material used. The highest seed germination percentage was recorded from the black plastic mulch plot and the lowest seed germination percentage was recorded from the control plot. The highest plant height was recorded from black plastic mulch at 20, 35, 50, and 65 DAS than that of other treatments. Black plastic mulch enhanced the number of leaves per plant than that of other treatments. Black plastic mulch enhanced the early flowering of okra leading to increased early and total yield of okra in comparison to bare soil. Vegetative attributes and yield-related attributes were found to be significantly better and higher in crops with plastic mulch rather than organic mulches. The highest productivity (30.93 Mg ha-1) was recorded from black plastic mulch followed by rice straw (24.71 Mg ha-1). Okra productivity with the highest net return and the highest benefit-cost ratio was obtained from black plastic mulching. The highest B: C ratio (3.23) and lowest B: C ratio (1.75) were calculated from the control plot. Because of these findings, it is believed that plastic culture has positive effects on the growth and yield of vegetables. The use of plastic mulch is an absolute tool for promoting vegetable production in Matihani. Further studies need to be performed to have a better understanding of the effects of vegetable crops grown with organic and plastic mulches.