Growth, Yield and Quality of Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) as Affected by Different Nutrient Sources

Abstract

Abstract – Field experiment was conducted at the teaching and research farm, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger state Nigeria during 2014 rainy season to determine the effect of different nutrient sources on the growth, yield and quality of jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L). The experiment was a randomized complete block design. The treatments were control (no fertilizer), poultry manure at the rate of 8 t/ha, organomineral fertilizer (4 t/ha poultry manure + 125 kg NPK 20:10:10 /ha), NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer at the rate of 250 kg/ha. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) and means were separated using least significant difference (LSD0.05). The results showed that all the parameters measured were significantly affected by the different nutrient sources. Largest leaves and stems were observed in plants which received poultry manure. There was no significant difference between the values of plant height and number of leaves recorded in plants treated with poultry manure and NPK fertilizer. The lowest values of all the growth parameters measured were recorded in the control plants. The highest yield values (fresh and dry matter yield) were obtained in plants which received poultry manure followed by NPK fertilizer while the least was recorded in the control plants. The highest values of crude protein and phosphorus were recorded in plant treated with poultry manure whereas the least values were recorded in control plants. There were no significant differences between the values of ash, Na, K and moisture content recorded in plants that received poultry manure and NPK fertilizer. Plants treated with poultry manure were more mucilaginous than plants that received other treatments. Poultry manure seems to be a better alternative for the production of jute mallow.