Field Evaluation of Different Rates of Cow Dung on Growth, Yield of Okra and Soil Restoration

Field experiments were conducted during 2021 and 2022 rainy seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University Wukari, Taraba State to study the growth and yield responses of okra to different rates of cow dung and soil restoration. The experiments consist of five rates 0, 6, 8, 10 and 12 t ha-1 of cow dung were laid out in a Randomized Completed Block Design (RCBD), replicated three times. Okra parameters measured were; plant height, leaf number, pod length, diameter and total pod weight. For plant height and leaf area a non-significant treatment effect was observed for the first 2 weeks respectively whereas, plants provided with 10 and 12 t ha-1 of cow dung significantly (p<0.05) increased plant height and leaf area in the last 4 to 8 weeks respectively. Similarly, the highest application rate of 10 and 12 t ha-1 significantly (p<0.05) increased the pod length, pod diameter and pod weight for the entire period of study as compared to the rest. Control (0 t ha-1) was significantly lower than all the plots that received cow dung in the experiments. Application of cow dung improved soil chemical properties such as pH, N, OM, P, K, Mg and CEC compare with the initial and control treatments. The study concluded that application of poultry manure improved okra production and increased available nutrients and soil restoration.