Effect of Fertigation Levels and Drip System Layout on Performance of Okra under Plastic Mulch

The study was conducted to standardize the fertigation levels and to find out a suitable drip system layout for okra (Arka Anamika). Initially, trials were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of fertigation and to evolve a suitable and cost effective cultivation practice for okra grown in the humid tropical climate of Kerala during summer season of 2011. It was found that fertigation with 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizer under drip irrigation and plastic mulching gave an average yield of 664g.plant−1, which was almost double when compared to the standard practice with average yield of 296g.plant−1. In continuation, another trial was laid out in 2012 to determine the effect of different fertigation levels. It was found that fertigation with120% of recommended dose (N:P:K@50:8:25 kg.ha−1) gave maximum yield of 421.7g.plant−1, which was at par with that of 100% level of the recommended dose (371.8g.plant−1). Further, a third trial was conducted to standardize the fertigation level needed for irrigated okra. It was observed that single lateral is sufficient for irrigating two rows of okra at a spacing of 50cmx50cm in a bed when cultivated under plastic mulching and fertigation. Hence, it is recommended that okra irrigated with paired row planting having single lateral in the middle of the two rows and fertigated with 100% recommended dose of fertigation as per the package of practices of Kerala Agricultural University is effective in water saving and gives maximum yield.