ABSTRACT:

Field trial was conducted in Samaru during the 2018 and 2019 rainy seasons at the Institute for Agricultural Research farm, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to determine optimum poultry manure rate and appropriate planting pattern for Okra production in the Northern Guinea savanna. Treatments comprised of four rates of poultry manure (0, 4, 8 and 12 t ha-1) and four planting patterns [(1plant / stand on a ridge (33,333 plants ha-1), 1plant / stand on two sides of a ridge (66,667 plants ha-1), 2plants / stand/ on a ridge (66,667 plants ha-1), 2plants / stand on two sides of a ridge (133,333 plants ha-1)]laid out in a Randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, finger length, diameter and fruit yield. Results showed that application of poultry manure significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, finger length and yield. The increment was notable with application of 12 t ha-1 of poultry manure on number of leaves and fruit yield. Planting pattern significantly increased only finger length and fruit yield where 1plant / stand on two sides of a ridge and 2 plants / stand on two sides of a ridge resulted to longer fingers and higher yield respectively. Based on this study, poultry manure applied at 12 t ha-1 and planting pattern of 2plants / stands on both side of a ridge could to be adopted for okra production.