Effectiveness of Biodegradable Wastes As An Organic Fertilizer Compared to Commercial Fertilizer on the Growth of Abelmoschus Esculentus (Okra)

Abstract

This experimental study assessed the effectiveness of biodegradable wastes—specifically groundnut shells, powdered eggshells, and rice hulls—as organic fertilizer compared to commercial fertilizer (YaraMila) on the growth of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra). Four treatments were evaluated: Control (2.4 kg groundnut shell + 1.6 kg topsoil), Treatment 1 (2.4 kg groundnut shell, 100 g eggshell, 1.35 kg topsoil, 150 g rice hull), Treatment 2 (double concentration of T1), and Treatment 3 (8 g YaraMila + 4 kg topsoil). Parameters measured included plant length, number of branches, number of fruits, and fruit mass. Results showed that Treatment 3 produced the tallest plants, Treatment 1 yielded the highest number of fruits, and Treatment 2 produced the most branches and heaviest fruits. Significant differences were found in number of branches and fruit mass, but not in plant length and number of fruits. Post-hoc analysis confirmed that Treatment 2 significantly outperformed the Control Group in branching and fruit mass. The study concludes that biodegradable waste-based organic fertilizers, particularly at higher concentrations, can serve as effective and sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers for enhancing okra growth and productivity.