AICRP on Sugarcane-Salient Achievements and Future Directions on Soil Health and Crop Nutrition

摘要

Multi-locational experiments on sugarcane nutrition aimed at sustaining higher cane and sugar productivity-were initiated in all the five sugarcane-growing zones in India.In order to have a glimpse on the nutritional trends in sugarcane-growing areas from 1972-73 to present time,a review of the multi-locational trials on various aspects of varietal response to the nutrient application has been done.Conclusions emerging from this review indicate that over a period of time,sporadic micronutrient deficiencies have appeared in the areas under intensive sugarcane cultivation.Combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients was found to be conspicuously superior to the use of mineral fertilizers alone across the centres.Integration of bio-fertilizers in the nutrient supply chain showed the promising results.In sulphur(S)-deficient soils,supplement of 40-60 kg S ha~(-1)through gypsum proved to be economical and cost-effective.Application of 5 kg zinc(Zn)and 40 kg S ha~(-1)annually along with optimal NPK to sugarcane plant crop is recommended for subtropics.For tropics,the application rates of Zn and S need to be raised to 10 and 60 kg ha~(-1),respectively along with NPK.In sub-tropics winter-initiated ratoon fertilized with sulphitation press mud cake(SPMC)@20 t ha~(-1)improves the bud sprouting at the time of ratoon initiation.In tropical zone,seed cane may be fertilized with 75 to 100% of recommended dose of nitrogen(RDN)in 2-4 equal splits depending upon the soil texture,irrigation practices and types of variety grown.In sub-tropical zone,the seed cane needs 25% additional N over the recommended doses of N,P and K.