Effect of Freshwater Crab Shell Powder Oziotelphusa Aurantia (H.) as an Organic Fertilizer to Increase Dramatic Growth in the Plant Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.)

Abstract

The pursuit of sustainable agriculture has intensified the search for effective organic fertilizers from renewable resources. Crustacean shell waste, rich in chitin, minerals and nutrients, represents a promising yet underutilized resource for enhancing soil fertility and plant growth. This study investigated the efficacy of freshwater crab (Oziotelphusa aurantia) shell powder (CSP) as an organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), in comparison to vermicompost and an unamended control. A pot experiment was conducted using red soil amended with CSP at 0.5% (w/w), vermicompost and a control. Growth parameters, including germination rate, plant height, leaf number and dimensions, flowering time and pod yield were monitored over eight weeks. CSP amendment significantly enhanced plant growth and productivity. Germination commenced one day earlier in the CSP-treated soil compared to the control and vermicompost. Plants grown in CSP-amended soil demonstrated superior performance in vegetative growth, producing a greater number of leaves, larger leaf dimensions (9 cm length, 10 cm width by week 6) and a higher final plant height. While flowering initiated slightly later than in the vermicompost group, CSP-treated plants yielded a significantly greater number of pods (12 per plant), with longer pod length (12.2 cm) heavier pod weight (11 g) and a higher total yield per plant (200 g) compared to both vermicompost (120 g) and the control (82.5 g). Freshwater crab shell powder is a highly effective organic fertilizer that significantly improves the growth, yield and nutritional quality of Abelmoschus esculentus. The utilization of this aquaculture waste product offers a sustainable strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity, improving soil health and reducing environmental pollution.