Interactive study of row spacings and foliar application of macro and micronutrients on growth, yield and quality of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)

摘要

A proper distance among the crop plants ensures efficient use of applied materials by the plants, thus affecting the yield. A balanced fertilization of plant nutrients not only improves crop growth but guarantees optimal crop production. The present investigations were carried out to examine the effect of foliar application of macro and micro elements on the growth, yield and qualitative characteristics of sugarcane sown at different row spacings. The experiment was conducted on sandy clay loam soil under agro-climatic conditions of Faisalabad. A uniform dose of 200-100-100 NPK kg ha-1was used as soil application. Cane crop was grown at row spacings of 75, 90 and 120 cm and sprayed with water (control), macro nutrients (N, P and K), micro nutrients (Fe and Zn) and a combination of both macro and micro nutrients (NPK + Fe and Zn). Cane diameter, cane length, stripped cane weight and stripped cane yield were significantly higher in wider row spacing of 90 to 120 cm apart rows. Crop sprayed with micro nutrients or macro + micro nutrients gave the highest cane yield. Leaf area index, leaf area duration, crop growth rate and total dry matter were significantly higher in wider row spacings and foliar applications of macro + micro nutrients. Net assimilation rate, CCS and sugar recovery were significantly higher in wider row spacing with foliar application of macro- and micro nutrients.