Effect of sowing dates and fertility levels on growth and fibre yield of jute (Corchorus species) varieties

A field experiment with jute (Corchorus sp.) varieties was conducted during the rainy season of 1997 and 1998 at Raigarh, with 4 sowing dates and 2 fertility levels. Significantly higher values of growth, yield attributes and fibre yield were recorded with earlier sowing than delayed sowing. Maximum fibre yield of 2,412 kg/ha was obtained when the crop was sown on 10 June, which drastically decreased with delay in sowing on 20, 30 June and, 10 July (1,995, 1,492 and 1,240 kg/ha respectively). Tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) variety 'JRO 524' (1,844 kg/ha) gave higher fibre yield than to white jute (C. capsularis L.)'JRC 212'(1,726 kg/ha). The white jute 'JRC 212' gave higher fibre yield when sown on 10 June with fertility level of 60 : 40 : 30 kg N : P2O5 : K2O/ha, whereas the sowing of 'JRO 524' can be extended up to 20 June with fertility level of 60: 45 : 45 kg N : P2O5 : K2O/ha.