SOIL TEST INFORMATION SHEET NO. V-360

Prepared by Extension Horticulturists Mike Cannon and James Boudreaux

Okra

1.	Okra is very sensitive to strongly acid soils (pH below about 5.0).  Production can be severely reduced by low soil pH.  If soil test indicates a pH below 5.5, the soil should be limed with agricultural limestone.  Use dolomitic lime if magnesium is low.  Apply lime 2 to 6 months before planting.

2.	On textured alluvial soils, if the soil contains 1.5 to 2.0% organic matter, no nitrogen application should be needed.  If organic matter is 1.0 to 1.5%, a sidedressing of only 15 to 20 pounds per acre of nitrogen need be applied as the first few pods set.  An additional 15 to 20 pounds per acre of nitrogen may be applied 4 to 6 weeks after the first application.  On soils with less than 1.0% organic matter, apply 15-20 pounds of nitrogen per acre before planting and sidedress the plants twice as described above.

3.	On heavier alluvial soils, if the soil contains 2.0% or more organic matter, no nitrogen application should be needed.  On soils below 2.0% only one sidedressing of nitrogen at  the rate of 15 to 20 pounds per acre when first few pods have set should be needed.

4.	In upland (hill) soils, a preplant application of 20 to 30 pounds of nitrogen per acre should be used, followed by two sidedressings of about 15-20 pounds nitrogen when first pods set and again in 4-6 weeks.

5.	Contact your county agent for additional information and help in your fertilization program.  The agent also receives a copy of this report for the parish office files.