The impacts of the integration of onion biowaste and NPK fertiliser on okra productivity and economic profitability

Abstract

Inorganic fertilisers are effective for improving crop yields, but their overuse can lead to soil acidification, which degrades soil health and long-term plant growth. To address this issue, the integration of onion biowaste fertiliser with NPK fertiliser has been proposed as an environmentally sustainable alternative for okra cultivation. This study evaluates the influence of various combinations of onion biowaste and NPK fertilisers on the yield and economic performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) consisting of five treatments with five replications each. The treatment levels were: T0 (control, 100% NPK fertiliser), T1 (100% onion biowaste fertiliser), T2 (50% NPK and 50% onion biowaste), T3 (30% NPK and 70% onion biowaste), and T4 (70% NPK and 30% onion biowaste). The results revealed significant differences in okra productivity and profitability across treatments. T2 (50% NPK fertiliser + 50% onion biowaste) was the most effective treatment that produced the highest fresh pods of 9250.25 kg per hectare with a gross profit margin of 62.80% and it was superior compared to all other treatment modes. Such a solution will offer the economy and the environment the best possible remedy to the fertiliser-related pollution, as well as transform household waste such as onions, into a valuable agricultural resource and a solution to the problem of fertilisers.