Production and leaf nutrient content of okra influenced by soil management

A field study was conducted to explore the effect of various rates of organic matter, two water depths, with and without mulching on production of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and leaf nutrient content. This study was done for two years, and the experimental design of randomized blocks in a factorial 5 EŸ 2 EŸ 2 was used, with four replications. The treatments were five rates of organic matter, necessary for raising the levels of organic matter in the pits to 1.8, 2.62, 3.44, 4.26 and 5.08%, two water depths (50 and 100%) of crop evapotranspiration, and soil with and without mulch. In general, it can be observed that the results in the two experimental periods are similar; foliar contents and fruit yield were higher in the plants irrigated with greater amount of water, and also increased with the application of organic matter to the soil. The results were not very different with and without soil mulch, since, with the growth of the plants, the canopies of the same shaded the soil avoiding the evaporation of the water.   Key words: Abelmoschus esculentus, organic matter, mulching, irrigation.