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Package of practices for Sugarcane cultivation in Goa |
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is an important cash crop cultivated in about 84 countries of the world. India ranks first in terms of area (30.79 lakh hectares) and per hectare productivity (108 Mt/ha in Tamilnadu). The major countries growing sugarcane in the world and the important states of India, with their area, productivity and recovery is given in Annexure I and II. In Goa, sugarcane is presently grown over an area of approximately 2,000 ha. The annual production of cane in Goa is about 84,000 tonnes with an average productivity of 45-50 Mt/ha with a recovery of 8.5 per cent (1991-1992), which is very low. Goa has a sugar factory with a crushing capacity of 1.75 to 2 lakh tonnes of cane annually. Thus the present availability of cane meets less than half of the requirement of the factory. This deficit is made by bringing cane form neighbouring states, which is not only uneconomical but detrimental to the interest of local growers. Thus, there is tremendous scope to produce this cane locally by adopting following strategy. Bringing additional area under this cash crop specially in command areas of Salaulim and Anjunem irrigation projects. Stepping up per unit productivity of both plant as well as ratoon cane to a minimum level of 75 - 100 Mt/ha, by following sound management practices and making available all the critical inputs like irrigation water, machinery, planting material in time and strengthening extension services. Reasons for low yield / recovery The sugarcane grower faces several constraints which come in the way of boosting sugarcane production and in attaining desired level of sugar in cane in the fields. These constraints arc social, administrative, climatic, managerial or agronomic and technical. In this bulletin, an attempt has been made to briefly discuss the climatic, agronomic and technical constraints. A careful study of climatic parameters like mean temperatures, relative humidity and rainfall pattern over the last couple of years in relation to the growth period ofsugarcane indicate that the cane in Goa is subjected to heavy evapo-transpiration losses. This situation is more severe specially in areas where there is scarcity of irrigation water. Similarly, if one takes into consideration the influences of these parameters during the crushing season or during the maturity period of cane from mid November to March end, it is seen that the mean minimum temperature ranges between 18.1C to 20.8C but handly reaches a congenial low temperature of 15C, which is ideal for sugar accumulation. In addition to this, Goa does not enjoy a greater difference between maximum and minimum temperatures due to its proximity to the sea. All these factors come in way of getting desired productivity and recovery. Agronomic / Managerial reasons These are the primary causes which result in low productivity of cane and poor quality cane for crushing. 1. Water scarcity :- Sugarcane in Goa is irrigated mostly from well, lift irrigation schemes, or canal. The growth of cane is maximum during February to May. If during this critical period the crop is subjected to draught, heavy losses in temis of yield and recovery occur in the field. Therefore, it is desirous lo provide adequate irrigation during these critical months. II. Inadequate fertilization:- Sugarcane is a heavy feeder and responds to adequate doses of fertilizers. Ignorance of farmers regarding fertility status of soil, soil health and lack of knowledge regarding fertilizers, make the farmer to resort to fertilizer application used, the right time of its application and correct method of application are to be thoroughly understood in relation to the soil test reports in order to meet the nutritional requirements of this crop. III. Quality of seed setts : With and exception of a few progressive growers, majority have no option but to use whatever planting material that is readily available for planting. The seed setts are often selected from immature or diseased crop, inadequately manured crop or from any source. Not much attention is bestowed upon the very important aspect of sett treatment, whcih results in poor crop. IV. Late planting : January-February is the most ideal time for planting sugarcane under Goa conditions. This is not only due to climatic considerations but also to facilitate adequate fertilization before the onset of monsoon. But due to various reasons, Sugarcane in Goa is planted as late as May. Such crop neither can be adequately manured nor receive the congenial climate for initial growth. This results in poor crop. V. Soil fertility :- Soil is the storehouse of nutrients. Its morphological, organic and chemical fertility has to be understood. The soils of Goa are inadequate in humus content. Hardly 20-25 per cent farmers use organic manures. Continuous use of chemical fertilizers alone slowly deteriorate the soils. The water holding and retaining capacity of soil have to be restored by use of organic manures. Soils poor in organic content cannot withstand water stress and results in poor growth of cane and the yield. VI. Neglected ratoons :- About 70-75 percent area as under sugarcane in Goa is under ratoon crop. Though it is a fact that ratoon has many advantages and yields more than the plant crop, neglected ratoons have resulted in poor yields and low quality cane, which has a direct bearing in the overall production and recovery. VII. Interculture :- This is a very important agronomic operation done in between the interspaces which includes weeding, hoeing, mulching and finally earthing-up. Due to unavailability of bullock drawn interculture implements locally, lack of herbicide usage etc., no farmer generally does adequate interculture. Due to this, the roots do not draw sufficient nutrients and weeds cause 60-70 percent losses both in quality as well as quantity of cane produced. VII. Plant protection : Not much attention is paid to the various insect pests and diseases that infest sugarcane crop in Goa. Spraying of crop is seldom undertaken due to practical difficulties. This has also attributed to the losses in yield and cane quality. Climatic requirements and ideal planting time The climate of Goa is characterised by the south-west monsoons between June to mid October and the warm and humid conditions which prevail for 7-8 months between October to May. Since Goa does not enjoy a cool and dry climate due to its proximity to the sea, the crop usually matures between December to March, depending on the time of planting. However, the Brix reading ranges between 19-21, which indicates that sugarcane can be successfully grown under climatic conditions of Goa. Sugarcane in Goa can thus be planted between December to March but the most ideal period is between January - February. In no case the planting should be delayed beyond March as this will result in inadequate fertilization and subsequently lower yields. Sugarcane once planted remains in the field for 2-3 years (including subsequent ratoons). This results in heavy extraction of plant nutrients. Therefore selection of an ideal soil is very crucial for getting consistent yields. Very often gradual yield reduction is attributed to the poor condition and wrong selection of land (soil). The soils selected for sugarcane should be with good drainage, organic content and water holding capacity atleast to a depth of 0.5 m. The pH of soil should be between 6.5 to 8. If the soils are saline or water logged, they have to be ammended by applying Gypsum, Sulphur and organic matter. The soils should not be too shallow with hard pans as the roots wiU both penetrate deep, resulting in lodging and earthing up will become difficult. It is always desirable to get soils tested for NPK status specially in new areas. Depending on the soil test reports, fertilization dosage should be worthed out and soil physical condition should be improved by use of organic manures, biofertilizers, addition of soil amendments, green manuring and following crop rotations, inter cropping etc. Proper land preparation is very essential for good establishment and vigorous growth of the crop. Plough the field to a depth of 0.75 to I foot deep with help of a tractor and expose it to a hot sun for about a fortnight Thereafter, crush the soil clumps so as to make it soft and friable. Then apply 25 cart loads of well decomposed cow dung manure or compost/ha and cross plough the field in opposite direction to the first ploughing to a depth of 20-30 cm. This will incorporate the manure into the soil. Then level the field to facilitate irrigation. After this, open the furrows with the help of a tractor drawn rigger at a distance of 90 cm. It has been observed that if the direction of the furrows is kept facing East-West, the crop grows luxuriantly and results in better sugar accumulation. Then the field is laid out in convenient plots depending on the slope of the land by bunding and providing irrigation channels. The length of rows may vary from 30-100 meters depending upon slope. Before planting the setts, another 25 cart loads of compost/cow dung manure along with the basal dose of fertilizers (250kg N 125 kg P2O5 and 150 kgK2O) is applied intheftirrowsatadepth of 10-12cm and the soil is mixed by light digging with crowbar before planting. It should be remembered that addition of sufficient quantities of organic manures will not only improve the physical condition of soil but also increase the waterretention capacity and such soils can withstand intermittent draught conditions or slight water stress. Soils rich in organic content gives higher yields and quality cane. This is one of the major factor which has direct bearing on the yield ofsugarcane. While selecting any variety forplanting, due attention ought to be paid to know details such as yield potential of the variety like grassy shoot and 'whip smut', its tolerance to withstand water stress etc. A number of varieties like Co-740, Co-7219, Co-62175 etc., have been tried in Goa. The most predominant and popular variety Co-740 is being cultivated over 90% of the area (1.747 ha). However this variety is succeptible to chronic diseases like grassy shoot and smut and is a late variety. In the recent years, ICAR Research Complex for Goa has recommended a high yielding midlate variety viz. Co-7527 which has yielded 150 Mt/ha as plant cane and 100 Mt/ha as ratoon. Popularisation of this variety and its rapid multiplication and use would go a long way to increase the present production. Another promising varieties like Co-188014, Co-8338, Co-8021, Co-85061, Co-8024 are found to be promising and further studies been made to recommended suitable replacement for Co-740 and an early duration variety. Selection of setts and treatment This is one aspect which is grossly neglected by the cane growers. Selection of the right type of setts for planting and subjecting them to various treatment before planting is the key to healthy crop. Always remember to change the seed after five years. Select healthy and fresh setts from specially maintained seed nurseries. Ensure following while selecting setts: 1. Select thick, fresh and tender setts. 2. The setts should be selected from 10-11 month old crop. 3. The eye buds should be prominent but not over mature. 4. If setts are brought from distance place, it is advisable to bring it with leaves intact to avoid drying of cane. A. Sett treatment 1. Cut the cane with sharp knife. Occasionally disinfect the knife with2% phenol solution. 2. Dip the setts in 1.2% solution of Carbendizime (50g Bavistin in 100litres water) for20-30 minutes before planting. Add lkg waterto this solution to enhance germination. 3. If the setts are brought from long distance or if they have become stale or have dried up, dip them for 24 hours in a solution containing 500g lime in 200 litres of water. This will help to revive the buds. The treatment with Bavistin can follow later. 4. If the setts are infested with scale insests, mealy bugs or white flies then add 265 ml of 30% Dimethoate (Roger) in 100 liters of water and dip the setts for 3-5 minutes before planting. 5. In order to ensure uniform germination and healthy growth of sprouts, it is advisable to treat the setts finally with bacterial culture like 'Bactin' developed by Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Manjari, Pune. To ensure this, dry the treated setts for 4-6 hours in shade. Make a slurry by mixing 10 kg Bactin with 3-4 ghamelas of cow dung or fine soil in 100 litres of water. Dip the setts in this slurry and then plant 6. Wherever facilities for hot water treatment is available, the setts should be treated for 2 hours at 50C in hot water to check the chronic diseases like grassy shoot and smut. In lieu of this, follow all the sett treatments detailed above. B. Sett selection : The following types of setts can be used for planting: 1) Three budded setts 2) Two budded setts 3) One budded setts. Three budded setts:- This is the most popular and conventional type of setts used by growers. About 30,000 three budded setts are required to plant 1 ha area by placing these setts end to end in furrows (90 cm wide). While planting, care should be taken to ensure that lhe central eye bud is facing upwards whereas the other two eye buds are placed side ways. Two budded setts :- This type of setts are suited for "paired row" planting. The setts are having 2 eye buds and setts are planted at a distance of 22-30 cm inftirrows. One budded setts :- The knife used for making one eye budded setts should be shalp. To make such setts, sharp vertical cut is given leaving 2-3 cm distance on each side of the eye bud so that the length of the sett below eye bud remain 8-9 cm. These setts are to be planted in irrigated furrows 2-3 cm deep at a distance of 22 cm in sandy soils and 30 cm in clayey soils. Avoid dry planting. If the setts are planted at 30 cm distance, 11-12 thousand one budded setts are required to plant one hectare. If the setts are planted at 45 cm, 8,000 one budded setts are required for one hectare. Care to be taken while using one eye bud setts 1) Always follow wet planting specially after January planting. 2) Take adequate care to treat the setts against scale insects, mealy buds, stem borer, termites etc. 3) Follow treatment with bacterial culture to enable the roots to be active and go deep to face draught. 4) Ensure adequate irrigation specially during first month at an interval of 8-10 days. 5) Gaps noticed in the filled should invariably be filled by providing additional seedlings raised separately. Advantage of one eye bud setts 1) 40-60% reduction in seed requirement and cost. 2) Reduction in transportation cost. 3)Plantingisfast. 4) Increased yield. 5) Facilitates fertilizer application and plant protection. Both wet method or dry method of planting can be adopted for growing cane. Wet planting is mostly done in low to medium fertile soils. In this method, the furrows are thoroughly irrigated and treated setts are placed 3-5 cm deep ensuring that all the eye buds face upwards. The simple technique is to place the thumb on the middle bud and press the sett in the wet furrow ensuring that the other two buds remain sideways facing upwards In the highly fertile soils, dry method of planting can be adopted. The setts are planted in dry furrows are specified distances (end to end incase of 3 budded, 22 to 30 cm in case of 2 budded and 30-45 cm in case of one budded setts as described before) and covered with soil upto half the depth of furrow and d field is then irrigated. Subsequent earthing-up operations during top dressing of fertilizers in the ridges becoming furrows which serve as irrigation channels. Sugarcane is a heavy feeder, since the crop remains in the field for about a year. It requires sufficient nutrition at various stages of its growth. The cane quality and yield is decided on the time, method of application and quantity of fertilizer applied. Fertilizers are expensive inputs and judicious use of this input becomes imperative. Sugarcane requires 250 kg N,, 125 kg PzO, and 150 kg K~O/ha under local conditions. However, the exact quantities of fertilizers to be applied to a particular field are decided on the basis of soil test report. Table I gives the quantity of different fertilizers locally available and the time of their application/ha. The farmers can choose from either straight fertilizers (NPK) or complex fertilizers i.e. Sampuma and Uramphos as per their local availability. The fertilizers are placed below the setts and while top dressing they should be placed 8-10 cm away from rows and 6-8 cm deep in the soil and earthed up. The field should be irrigated on the next day. Table 1. Quantity of different fertilizers used per hectare and the method and time of their application (250N:125P:150K/ha).
This is the most important aspect of sugarcane growing next to fertilization. The utility of water will be enhanced if the soil is rich in organic content. Water is a valuable commodity and its use should be made in a most appropriate manner. Moisture conservation methods like addition of adequate quantities of organic manure to soil, trash mulching of top soil @ 15 ton/ha helps in conserving soil moisture. Sugarcane requires 120 to 140 acre inches of water which is equivalent to 12,500 to 14,000 tonnes, including the rain water. For irrigating sugarcane crop, the following method may be adopted: In sandy medium soils, irrigate the channels 8-10 cm deep and then take up planting. In clay soils, plant the setts first and then imgate 5 cm deep. During germination period (30-40 days), irrigate at 10-12 days interval at 5 cm depth. During tiUering stage, the frequency of irrigation may be 8-10 days. In Goa, for a February planted crop, irrigation is to be given at an interval of 8-10 days till May, depending on soil type. In all, 12 to 14 irrigations are required till monsoon sets in. From October to December, 5-6 irrigations at an interval of 12-15 days may be given. In all about 18-20 irrigations Ure sufficient to raise a healthy crop. However, the following techniques would help in economising frequent use of water: 1. Addition of organic manure @ 50 carfloads/ha. 2. Spreading sugarcane trash as soil mulch @ 15 t/ha. 3. Giving irrigations through alternate furrows. 4. Adopting paired row method for planting cane late. 5. Installing water saving modem irrigation systems such as sprinkler, drip or biwall. Sugarcane setts begin to germinate after 30-40 days of planting. Wherever the buds have not germinated, or show grassy shoot disease symptoms, germinated setts should be gap filled/planted. This can be ensured by providing additional area along the bunds for meeting such eventualities. Polybag technique of raising seedlings from one eye bud sett will also help. After a week of germination, hoeing is done in order to remove first flush of weeds. The soil is loosened enhancing good aeration. As the crop grows 6 weeks old, first spit dose of fertilizer is given 8-10 cm away from rows and 5-10 cm deep and this is followed by light earthing up. Subsequent top dressing with fertilizers are given at 90 days and 135 days and finally heavy earthing up is given before onset of monsoon. Interculture operations within the rows are not done adequately in Goa for want of appropriate bullock drawn implements. Implements like Ankush plough, Jamboo ridger etc., are low cost high utility implements which ensures adequate hoeing, breaking of ridges, digging the interrow spaces and earthing up. These implements should be popularised. During hot summer months commencing from February to May, thelowerdried leaves ofsugarcane should be stripped off and spread over interrow spaces and irrigation channels incorporated with 10% BHC dust @ 20 kg/ha as a soil mulch to conserve soil moisture specially in early stages of crop and ratoons. Due to the slow initial growth of crop, the irrigation channels as well as ridges and interrow spaces get infested with variety of narrow and broad leaved weeds which pose a serious problem to cane growers, causing losses upto 60-70 per cent in neglected fields. Weeds are either manually removed during hoeing or are killed by use of weedicides. For controlling weeds chemically, spray 1.75 kg 2, 4-D dissolved in 1,125 litres of water 5 days afterplanting. Repeat the spray after 20-25 days if weeds persist. All broad leaved weeds will get killed by these. For narrow leaved weeds and grasses, spray 2 kg Atrataf dissolved in 100 litres of water, 4-5 days after planting when there is enough moisture in the soil. In case of heavy infestation, give second spray after 4-5 weeks. Othertwo effective weedicides are Karmix (2.5 kg in 1,000 litres of water) and Sancour (5kg in 1,000 litres of water). These weedicides also have harmonal effect which increases yield by 15-20 tons/ha. Use of chemical weedicides should be done in the morning or evening. The operator should walk in reverse direction to avoid trampling of the sprayed area. While spraying all the bunds, channels, ridges etc. should be adequately covered with herbicidal spray. Since the initial growth ofsugarcane is slow, the interrow spaces can be put into use for sowing short duration crops like groundnut, cowpea, moong, onion, raddish, bhendi, etc. Research conducted at Padegao and Kolhapur has indicated that by growing these crops as intercrop in sugarcane, the net income from the combination is more than that of sugarcane crop alone. Since a space of 90 cm is available in between two rows ofsugarcane, two rows of these crop at a spacing of 30 cm each from either side or one row at 45 cm (depending on crop selected) can be sown one week after planting sugarcane. Intercropping also helps in reducing the growth of weeds and their competition during early growth period of cane. Use of intercrops like pulses, groundnut, soyabean etc., also help to improve soil nutrient status due to their root nodules which harbour beneficial soil bacterium Rhyzobium which helps in fixing atmospheric nitrogen through air into the soil. Pests and diseases of sugarcane Sugarcane in Goa is infested by following pests and diseases. Their nature of damage and control measures are suggested below: 1. Early shoot borer This insect pest can cause upto 30% losses in sugarcane crop. Under Goa conditions, this pest is noticed from March to May. Hot climatic conditions, and low humidity are the predisposing factors for spread of this pest. The female lays eggs in rows in straight lines on the under surface of leaves. The larvae after hatching, bore a hole into the growing cane near to the soil surface and feeds on tender portion. This results in death of the central shoot by gradual drying. Control 1) Destroy all infested shoots. 2) Spray the crop with 35% Endosulphan by mixing 14 ml in 10 litres of water 3-4 weeks after germination or spray 50% BHC @ 3 kg in 500 litre water twice at an interval of 10 days, or 3) Apply in furrows, 6% Gamma BHC (Lindane) @ 16 kg/ha and irrigate. This will also control termites. 4) Avoid late planting of cane. 5) Do adequate hoeing. 6) Release of biological control agents such as Trichogramma eggs (S) 5 lakh/ha or spray with 300 larvae infested with granulosis virus in 250 litre water. 2. Stem borer The stalk borer in advanced stage infests the sugarcane crop as stem borer. This pest is formed during tillering stage and beyond, and it makes holes in the cane and feeds on inner contents. These holes are concealed under the dry leaves. The incidence of this pest is favoured by hot weather from February to May. Control : Adequate control of early shoot borer will ensure crop free of this pest. 3. Scale insect This pest infests the cane when the tillers start maturing. The nymphs and adults stick on the outer surface of cane and suck the sap, thus devitalising the plant. The crop remains stunted and dries up. The spread of this pest is through infested setts, air and ants. This pest is more pronounced in ratoon crop. It causes 30-35% weight loss and 2 to 3% reduction in sugar recovery in heavily infested crop. Use of infested setts for planting, neglected ratoon, poor soil, water scarcity and draught in summer are some of the predisposing factors. Control 1) Do not use infested setts for planting. 2) Infested cane should be harvested early and the trash burnt. No ratoon is advisable from such crop. 3) Plough the field immediately, collect stubbles and bum them. 4) Provide adequate irrigation. 5) Treat the setts with 30% Dimethoate (Rogor) @ 265 ml or 85%Phosphomidon @ 80 ml or 50% Malathion @ 300 ml in 100 litres of water by dipping the setts for 3-4 minutes before planting. 6) Use granular Phorate @ 10 kg/ha when tillering is over. 4. Termites This insect pest damages the crop at two stages. Once when the setts are planted, when the workerclass of termites feed on the tendereye bud resulting in poor germination. They also feed on cut ends of setts and cause germination losses. Later on when the cane is ftilly grown, they feed around basal portion as well as cane portion near ground. Their feeding results in drying of cane. Control 1) Locate the termetoria to locate the queen and destroy it. 2) Apply 20% Gama BHC 5 litres in 1,000 litres water in furrows. In addition to above, the sugarcane is also infested by sap sucking insect pests such as white flies and mealy bugs. These can be controlled by spraying any systemic insecticide. 5. Rats Rats cause damage not only to sugarcane but many other crops and is a chief enemy of mankind. Burrowing of rats into water channel causes loss of water. The rats due to their gnawing habit causes 10% more damage to cane than by eating it. The site of damage is near the joints where the cane is hard. Their damage causes cane to dry and lose weight. Lodging of cane is many a times attributed to burrowing of rats near the base. Control: Identify the live burrows on bunds and in the fields. Baiting is necessary if Zinc Phosphide is used. More recently, ready to use rodenticide Bromdiolone 0.005% (Moosh Moosh) is found to be an effective rat killer. Place 1-2 cakes in each live burrow along bunds, 2-4 weeks after planting. Cakes are also distributed in field after earthing up at 10-15 m interval. About 30-50 cakes are required for one acre. The rodent control work should be done on a collective basis rather than individually. Wild boars This is also a menace to sugarcane growers. This can be kept away by having battery operated fencing. Diseases Two major diseases infest sugarcane crop in Goa. 1. Grassy shoot This is a mycoplasma disease which is on a rise in Goa. A largenumber of lean and lanky pale sprouts appear in the clumps like "Bunchy grass". The normal stalk (cane) is not formed and the incidence of this disease is more in ratoon crop. This disease is transmitted through setts. Control 1) Select healthy setts for planting. Setts from diseased field should be avoided. 2) Uproot and destroy infested clumps by burning as soon as disease is noticed. 3) Treat the setts in hot water at 50C for 2 hours. 4) Dip the setts in a solution containing 50 g Bavistin in 100 litres of water 20-30 minutes before planting. 2. Whip smut : This is a fungal disease infesting sugarcane crop. The growing point projects a long black whip like structure covered with black spores. Affected plants have slender cane and quality is destroyed. The whip is covered with silvery membrane which if ruptured, gives out black powdery mass of spores which is spread through wind, water or soil. Control 1) Locate infested clumps and destroy them. 2) Select healthy setts for planting. 3) Follow sett treatment as suggested for grassy shoot disease. Sugarcane is ready for harvest in about 11-12 months after planting. The mature cane is yellowish with prominent eye buds, giving a metallic sound if tapped with fingers. Similarly, it breaks at nodes if bent. But, the real indicator for determining the maturity is the brix reading taken with hand refractometer. If the reading shows 19 and above, the cane is mature and ready for harvest. The stand of subsequent ratoon crop depends on the correct manner of harvesting. The cane should be cut as close to the ground level as possible with the help of a sharp knife. Care should be taken to give a horizontal smooth cut without damaging the eye bud below the soil. If the cane is harvested above the ground, the yield is reduced, sugar is lost in the lower portion and there is lodging as well as poortiUering, since the buds sprout from above the ground and have no support. On the other hand, if the cane is cut below the ground, the lower eye bud is damaged and this badly affects germination. Use of improved 'Vikas' knife developed by Vasantdada Sugar Institute cuts the cane at right place with ease and gives a smooth cut thus avoiding the trouble of stubble shaving operation. ln Goa,65-70%areaundersugarcaneisretained as rainon crop. Ratooning offers many advantages in the economy of cultivation since it saves the cost on procurement and preparation ofsetts, land preparation etc. The productivity and quality of ratoon crop in Goa are very poor since most of the ratoons are neglected or subjected to mismanagement. The productivity of ratoon can be upgraded to the level of plant crop or even better, provided sound ratoon management practices are followed by cane growers. The following steps are suggested for ratoon management: a) Harvesting: Follow proper harvesting as suggested above. b) Collection of trash: All the trash and dry leaves may be collected and used for mulching. c) Shoulder breaking: This is an operation wherein the ridges formed are dismantled with the help of improved implement like 'Ankush plough' or Kirloskar No. 100 plough. The soil around the clump is then dug to make it loose. The furrows and interrow spaces are also dug with shovel tooth cultivator to make the soil loose. This operations result in destroying all the top dead and useless roots which decay in soil. The effective roots penetrate deep to draw water and nutrients. d) Fertilizers : The requirement of Nitrogen (Urea) is to be kept 20% more than the plant crop i.e. 300kg N/ha (650 kg Urea). The fertilizer is usually given in three doses as shown below:
The fertilizers must be applied 10-12 cm away from the clumps and 12- 15 cm deep. e) Gap filling : It is a very important operation in order to ensure adequate plant population. All the gaps noticed in the field should be promptly filled by planting young seedlings raised separately by following polybag technique or other suitable method. Similarly all the diseased clumps should be uprooted and destroyed and fresh planting should be done. f) Mulching: The initial growth of cane being slow, the interrow spaces are exposed to heavy evapotranspiration during summer months, resulting in draught situation. Therefore, trash (dry leaves) should be used as a mulch @ 15 ton/ha to avoid water losses. Mulching also helps to smother the weeds which eat away nutrients. g) Weeding: Suitable weed control measures suggested for plant cane may be followed. h) Plant protection : Ratoon crop is mostly subjected to early attack of shoot borer and diseases like grassy shoot and smut. Suitable protective measures should be adopted to keep the field free from diseases and pests. i) Intercropping : Various short duration crops can be grown during initial four months to get additional returns as discussed earlier. Area, production, productivity/ha and sugar recovery of major countries
Area, production, productivity/ha and sugar recovery of major states in India
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