Productivity and Economic Feasibility of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) under Combined Onion Biowaste and NPK Fertilization

Author : SHAMPAZURAINI SAMSURI

Abstract :Applying inorganic fertilizer is essential for improving crop productivity. However, excessive usage of inorganic fertilizer may lead to soil acidification and negatively affect long-term soil fertility and plant growth. The use of onion biowaste fertilizer in combination with NPK fertilizer on okra has been explored as a sustainable alternative to relying solely on inorganic fertilizer. This study investigated the effects of combining onion biowaste with NPK fertilizer on the yield performance and economic profitability of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and five replications. The treatments were T0 as control (100% NPK fertilizer), T1 (100% onion peel fertilizer), T2 (50% NPK fertilizer + 50% onion peel fertilizer), T3 (30% NPK fertilizer + 70% onion peel fertilizer), and T4 (70% NPK fertilizer + 30% onion peel fertilizer). Yield and profitability of okra were significantly different with the highest was from the combination of onion biowaste and NPK fertilizer. Treatment T2 (50% NPK fertilizer + 50% peel onion fertilizer) consistently outperformed other treatment with the highest fresh pod yield (9250.25 kg ha-1) and achieved gross profit margin 62.80%. The results indicate that integrating onion biowaste with NPK fertilizer can improve crop growth and productivity while lowering dependence on chemical inputs. This practice provides a more economical and environmentally friendly option for smallholder farmers by minimizing fertilizer induced pollution and transforming household onion waste into a valuable agricultural resource.

Keywords :NPK, okra, onion peel biowaste, profit, yield.

Conference Name :International Conference on Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology (ICAEBIO-25)

Conference Place Surabaya, Indonesia

Conference Date 24th Dec 2025