YIELD RESPONSE OF OKRA TO IRRIGATION FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT IN A SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEM

A research study was carried out to determine the most suitable irrigation frequency and amount in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L) production grown under irrigation condition. The research was carried out in a suitable water application method as demonstrated in a sprinkler irrigation system that was established in irrigation research field with a view to determining yield variation and water use efficiency of okra under different irrigation frequencies and amount. Irrigation quantities were based on crop evapotranspiration (ET_crop) of the crop (okra) determined at different stages of growth through lysimeter research that was conducted in National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin, Nigeria. Analysis of the irrigation evaluations carried out indicated that the yield of fresh fruit of okra was significantly higher under low frequency than high irrigation frequency. A significantly reduction in yield was actualized with additional irrigation amount and increase in frequency. It was also estimated that water use efficiency of okra increased to appreciable percentage under low frequency of irrigation. The reduction in water use efficiency under high irrigation frequency as compared to low irrigation frequency resulted primarily from decrease in fresh fruit yield.