Crop Management

The determination of the appropriate crop management is a key factor for the successful insertion of the crop in the existing cropping systems with economic benefits. Research on crop management has been conducted when kenaf was evaluated as an excellent cellulose fiber source for a large range of paper products (in 1960s). The most important parameters in the crop management that should be followed are the site of its cultivation and the final end use. New kenaf varieties have been released that were resistant to pests and diseases with improved resistant to drought, and with higher yields. The plant density and the fertilization need to be varied according to its final use of the crop. When it is cultivated for its fiber stem the plant population should be from 170,000 to 350,000 plants per ha and with row spacing 35–50 cm. In areas where the precipitation is limited irrigation is needed to achieve high yields. It is a crop very sensitive to nematodes, especially when it is cultivated in areas with sandy soil and this should be taken under consideration on the rotation system that will be followed. Harvesting time and methods can be adjusted according to the use of the crop (fiber, seeds, fiber and seeds, forage)