LOCAL AND CULTURAL PRACTICE INVOLVED IN JUTE PRODUCTION

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.