Paper Key : IRJ************237
Author: Dr. Peter Ovie Eremrena
Date Published: 13 Apr 2024
Abstract
ABSTRACT This research was carried out at the Green House, Center for Ecological Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Abuja Campus to investigate the distinct effects of cow dung and urea on the germination and growth of Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra). The experiment was laid out on a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) using 3 treatments (Cow dung, Urea and Control) with four replications. The growth parameters analyzed were on plant height, number of leaves, leaf width and leaf length and the results obtained revealed that cow dung had more effect in all the parameters studied in comparison to the control, where a steady increase in plant height is observed over the weeks, reaching a mean value of 8.4 in week 5, the application of urea led to a significant setback, with a substantial decrease in mean height recorded in week 3 (0.8). Conversely, cow dung consistently demonstrated a positive influence on okra growth, consistently surpassing the control mean heights and peaking at 9.8 in week 5. Similar trends were observed in leaf length and width, where urea negatively hinders elongation and expansion, while cow dung promotes longer and broader leaves. The number of leaves is adversely affected by urea but significantly increased with cow dung application, indicating contrasting impacts on leaf abundance. These findings underline the differential effects of urea and cow dung on various growth parameters, emphasizing the potential of cow dung to foster enhanced germination and sustained growth in okra plants.