Influence of different organic nutrient sources on total nutrient uptake, nutrient concentration of okra fruit and nutrient use efficiency in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2024 at the Organic Farming Research and Training Centre, MPKV, Rahuri to investigate the effect of different organic nutrient sources on total nutrient uptake, nutrient concentration of okra fruit and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 11 treatments and 3 replications, using farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, neem cake, and poultry manure as nutrient sources applied either individually or in combinations to meet 100% N requirement. Results revealed that the treatment T₁₀ (50% N through vermicompost along with 50% N through poultry manure) significantly improved total nutrient uptake (N, P and K), indicating their superior mineralization and nutrient release. Nutrient concentration of okra fruit (N%, P%, K% and micronutrients) was found maximum in treatment T₁₀ (50% N through vermicompost along with 50% N through poultry manure). Highest Nutrient use efficiency was recorded under treatment T₁₀ (50% N through vermicompost along with 50% N through poultry manure), while among sole application of organic manures treatment T₅ (100% N through Poultry manure) recorded the highest AE and AUE, while treatment T₄ (100% N through Neem cake) recorded the highest IUE. Overall, combined application of 50% N through Vermicompost along with 50% N through poultry manure enhanced total nutrient concentration of okra fruit, total nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency, highlighting their potential for sustainable okra production in organic farming.