Impact of Compost Levels on Soil Properties and Growth Performance of Okra

The organic matter content of soil plays a pivotal role in determining its health, influencing its physical, chemical, and biological properties, in addition to the promotion of plant growth, highlighting the need for this study which investigated the effects of different levels of compost on soil physical and chemical properties, and on plant height and number of leaves of okra. An experimental layout covering an area of 4m x 2m was prepared, and okra seedlings were planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RBCD) consisting of six (6) treatments (0g, 200g, 400g, 600g, 800g, and 1000g) of compost. Soil samples were collected before planting (initial soil) and at maturity of crops, and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. Plant data were taken on plant height and number of leaves at 4 Weeks after Planting (WAP), 6WAP, and 8WAP, they were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P≤0.05, and means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. Results of the study showed that before the addition of compost to soil samples, soil texture was sandy loam, soil pH was moderately acidic (5.37), moisture content (18.00%) and porosity (40.67%) were moderate. After the addition of different levels of compost, soil texture was loamy, soil pH was neutral (7.29), and soil had a higher moisture content (27.5%) and porosity (60.65%). Also, Organic carbon (4.25%), organic matter (7.37%), and available phosphorus (94.75 mg/kg) were significantly higher in soil mixed with compost compared to the levels of 1.40%, 2.43%, and 28.23 mg/kg, respectively recorded in soil samples before the addition of compost. The study concluded that increasing compost levels significantly improved soil physiochemical properties and okra growth, with 1000g treatment yielding the tallest plants and highest leaf count. These findings underscore the importance of compost application in sustainable agriculture, promoting soil fertility and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.