Yield, mineral content and root growth response of jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) to planting density and water availability

Abstract

Current trends in agriculture dictate an urgent need for the reduction of input resources while maintaining high biomass yield of good quality. The overall aim of the study was to investigate the interactive effects of planting density and water availability on growth, development, total biomass yield and quality of jute mallow. It was hypothesized that up to 20% of the crop irrigation water requirement could be saved through deficit irrigation without compromising biomass production and nutritional value. To achieve the stated aim, three planting densities: low (100 000 plants.ha −1 ); medium (167 000 plants.ha −1 ); and high (330 000 plants.ha −1 ) were tested in a two-year field trial. Each of these planting densities received three irrigation strategies: full irrigation (irrigation to field capacity (FC)); medium stressed (irrigation to 80% plant available water (PAW)); and stressed (irrigation to 60% PAW). All treatments were replicated three times in a randomized complete block design layout. Irrigation was applied every fifth day for all treatments under nitrogen non-limiting conditions. Results showed that high leaf area index (LAI), stomatal conductance (gs), total fresh yield, and mineral content (Zn and K) were attained at the medium planting density of 167 000 plants.ha −1 under the medium stress (irrigation to 80% PAW) strategy. Consequently, 20% less than is needed to fill the root zone to FC was saved. Hence, the hypothesis was accepted. On the other hand, the irrigation strategy of irrigation to FC increased the length and dry mass of the roots. • Jute mallow crop strive well under semi-arid climatic conditions. • Irrigation and appropriate plant population provide optimum biomass yield. • High nutritional value depends soil fertility and water availability. • Root growth and architecture is highly influenced by drought stress.