Effect of tree-shade on growth of Abelmoschus esculentus Linn. and soil characteristics in a homestead agroforestry system in Northeast India

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of tree shade on the growth performance and yield of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) and soil physico-chemical properties in the humid tropical agroclimate condition in northeast India. This study was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications and three different treatments (shade, moderate light and full sunlight). Seed germination percentage was lowest in shade, followed by moderate and open sunlight treatments. Shoot length was greater in the shade and moderate light than in the open sunlight conditions. Biomass production rates of root and shoot was positively correlated to one another, although soil physico-chemical properties varied significantly amongst treatments. Over all, it is concluded that the growth and yield performance of okra was better in open field conditions given optimal micro-environmental conditions.