Responses of Okra and Soil Microbial Population Changes to the Application of Tithonia Manure  

Yield reduction in okra production is mostly associated with cultivation of marginal lands or continuous land cultivation. Hence, the need for sustainable approach to resuscitating soil fertility through Tithonia diversifolia manure application may alter microbial population. Two depths [Topsoil (0-15 cm) and Subsoil (15-30 cm)], three levels applications (control, half recommended at 120 kg N/ha) okras varieties (Clemson spineless, LD88 NHAe 47-4) were evaluated completely randomized design replicated thrice. Soil bacterial fungal colonies higher topsoil compared subsoil increased increase level tithonia under topsoil, while inverse was observed condition bacteria colony-forming units mycorrhizal spore count. Under variety treated rate had highest biomass dry matter (79.4 g). Significantly leaf area (395.92 mm 2 ) (66.89 g) produced by 47-4 Clemson spineless their respective controls (181.37 29.63 subsoil. Varieties combined rates suggested conditions, respectively.