Effects of different tillage systems on the emergence of okra in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different tillage methods on the emergence of okra. Research

The study was carried out at the teaching and research farm of the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State in July 2018. Tillage treatments in the study were no-tillage, disc plowing, and disc plowing followed by disc harrowing, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design, replicated three times. Each plot was (4.0 m × 3.0 m) with a 1.5 m gaps between the plots/replicates and blocks.

The results indicated that the tillage methods had no significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects on the emergence of okra seeds. The maximum values of the number of emerged seeds (52 seeds), percentage emergence (92.86%), emergence rate (16.30%.day-1) and seed vigor index (40.08 seeds.day-1) were obtained in the plowing and harrowing method. In comparison, the minimum values of the number of emerged seeds (45 seeds), percentage emergence (80.36%), emergence rate (16.13%.day-1) and seed vigor index (32.77 seeds.day-1) were obtained in the no-tillage method. The plowing and harrowing approach had the lowest values of mean seed emergence time (6.13days) and seedling mortality rate (5.77%) while the no-tillage process had the highest amounts of mean seed emergence time (6.20days) and seedling mortality rate (13.33%).

Limitations: 

There were no limitations to the report.

Originality/Value:

 The results suggest the plowing and harrowing method may be utilized as a more appropriate and profitable tillage method in improving soil physical properties and seed emergence of okra.