The cultural practices involve in
Jute production include
1. Land preparation/ cultivation
2. Planting
3. Weed management
4. Fertilizer application
5. Irrigation management and maintenance
LAND
PREPARATION/ CULTIVATION
The land is first cleared and tilled with hoe or where machinery are available it is ploughed and harrowed. It is then leveled
fairly well in order to make for even spread of water, if irrigation is going
to be used.
Jute is cultivated over a wide range
of environments. The plants grow well under hot, wet in the lowland tropics- it
is also responds especially to warn, humid weather and is often grown near
riverbanks and waste places. Cold weather and several periods of drought can
kill the crop. A loam or silky-loam soil and plenty of organic matter is ideal.
It tolerates soil PH of 4.5 to 8.0 but more extreme PH conditions will reduce
the availability of iron in the soil. It is a short day plant; hence, short
production suffers because of flowering during the months of November to
February. Jute needs a plain alluvial soil standing water. The suitable climate
for growing jute (warm & wet climate) is offered by the monsoon climate
during the monsoon season. Temperatures ranging from 200C to 400C
and relative humidity of 70% -80% are favourable for successful cultivation.
Jute requires 5-8cm of rainfall weekly with extra needed during the sowing
period.
PLANTING
OPERATION
Jute is planted either by direct seedling or
transplanting. Direct seedling is used when seed is plenty, labor is limited
and during the dry season when flooding is not a problem. Planting is done at
the beginning of the rainy season (May-June). When there is uniform
distribution of rainfall, like in southern Mindanao, saluyot (Jute) can be
planted anytime of the year. The seeds are drilled uniformly 4 to 5 inches
apart in furrows or at the rate of 5-6kgs of seeds per hectare. For big scale
planting and in open places, seeds are judiciously broadcast and lightly
covered with fine soil by passing a wooden harrow.
WEED
MANAGEMENT (WEEDING)
Thorough land preparation is essential to avoid much
weeding in the farm. Weeding is a very important farm operation. It is done
either with hand or with hoe. Weeding can also be done mechanically in large
farm using herbicide.
Jute, especially when direct seeded,
is slow to establish and vulnerable to competition from weeds. Weed must not be
allowed to crowd or overgrow the young plants. When plants are 20 to 25cm tall,
a wooden plow or cultivator is passed between the rows to hill up, which can
help to suppress the growth of weeds.
FERTILIZER
APPLICATION
Jute mallow responds well to added
fertilizer, especially nitrogen. A combination of both inorganic and organic
fertilizers improves yield and maintains soil fertility. The rate of fertilizer
application depends on soil fertility, soil type, and fertilizer recovery rate
and soil organic matter. A soil test is highly recommended to determine the
available, N, P, K. suggested fertilizer recommendations are shown in the table
below.
|
|
|
Days after sowing/ transplanting
|
||
|
Nutrient
|
Pre-plant
|
10
|
20
|
30
|
|
Compost
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
N
|
48
|
30
|
8
|
8
|
|
P205
|
64
|
8
|
8
|
0
|
|
K20
|
48
|
15
|
8
|
0
|
Broadcasting method of application is
generally used though other method of application can also be used.
IRRIGATION
METHODS AND ITS MAINTENANCE
Jute mallow is sensitive to drought.
Irrigating is critical after sowing or transplanting to ensure a good stand.
Fields are furrow irrigated every 10 days during the cool-dry season, and
weekly during the hot dry season. As a rule, plants should be irrigated if wilting
occurs in midday. Irrigate thoroughly to develop a deep, healthy root system.
Good drainage is essential for plant survival and growth. Provides drainage
canals to facilitate quick drainage of excess water after heavy rains. Avoid
over-.irrigation since this leads to disease development and leaching of soil
nutrients. Drip irrigation or micro sprinkler irrigation is recommended in
areas with limited water supply. If sprinkler irrigation must be used, avoid
late evening irrigation to prevent foliar diseases.