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Farmers use Inorganic Fertilizers (IF) to improve kenaf yield in Nigeria. However, the detrimental effects of mineral fertilizers and its high cost calls for the use of organic fertilizers that are locally available and environment friendly. Combination of Organic Fertiliser (OF) with IF may reduce the bulkiness of OF while harnessing the benefit of both for higher yields. Field trials were conducted at Ibadan and Ilora in 2013 and 2014 to investigate the effects of combined fertilizers on the growth and yield of kenaf. Organic and IF (NPK 20:10:10) fertilizers as: (i) 160 kg ha-1 (sole organic), (ii) 100 kg ha-1 (sole IFl), (iii) Organic and IF at 50:50 ratio and (iv) control (no fertilizer). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Results showed that plant height (220.17 cm, 216.80 cm) and stem diameter (2.27 cm, 1.16 cm). Bast fiber (2.27 t/ha, 2.27 t/ha) and seed yield (1.69 t/ha, 1.78 t/ha) in Ibadan and Ilora respectively were significantly higher in plots with combined fertilizer. Combined fertilizers had the highest fiber and seed yield above sole application and control (no fertilizer application). Hence it is recommended for kenaf cultivation in Southwest Nigeria.

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Planting of kenaf usually commences from March - April as these months mark the onset of the rainy season in Nigeria. On the contrary, it is now difficult for anyone to predict when rain start due to climatic variation. Hence, field experiments was conducted between 2015 and 2016 to determine the appropriate time of sowing kenaf that will optimize its yield potential in South Western Nigeria. As a result of delay in the commencement of rain, planting did not start until May. Hence, kenaf seeds were sown in May, June, July and August at 30 days interval in each year. The experiment was a 4 × 2 factorial laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The result indicated that the highest fibre yield (1.00 t/ha) was from the kenaf sown in June irrespective of the year, but not significantly different from the one sown in July (0.98 t/ha). On the other hand, kenaf sown in July had the highest seed yield (2.28 t/ha) with the lowest seed yield (1.04 t/ha) obtained in May followed by August (1.19 t/ha). The experiment conclusively affirm June for sowing of kenaf for fibre cultivation and July for seed production. Keywords: Planting date, kenaf, fibre and seed yield

Hibiscus cannabinus L. or kenaf is a fast growing and multipurpose annual crop planted for its horticultural and economic importance. Little is known about its response to different rates of organic fertilizer in Nigeria. The objective of the study was therefore to evaluate the effects of different rates of commercially produced organic fertilizer (Aleshinloye organic fertilizer to be precise) on crop growth rate, vegetative growth and biomass accumulation in kenaf Five different rates of organic fertilizer equivalent to: 0, 70, 100, 130 and 160 kg N ha-1 replicated three times were used in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). There were contrasting results on the effects of fertilizer rates on growth and physiology of kenaf. Significant effects were observed for some agronomic parameters such as plant height, stem diameter and fibre yield. The application of organic fertilizer at varying rates increased the bast fibre yield of the Ifeken 400 variety of kenaf from 67.29 g/m2 (control) to 98.70, 147.88 and 157.40 g/m2, in those grown on soil amended with 70, 100 and 130 kg N ha-1 of organic fertilizer respectively. Organic fertilizer could be utilized for the cultivation of kenaf in Nigeria but the rate to apply depends on the nutrient content of the organic fertilizer.Keywords: Kenaf, Growth, Organic fertilizer, rates and fibre yield