Tiller Dynamic Studies for Realizing Higher Cane Yield under Ratoon Management Practices in Sugarcane

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Rudrur, during 2021-2022 to study the effect of ratoon management practices on cane yield in sugarcane.  In situ retention of sugarcane trash can play an important role in replenishing soil quality and reducing environmental pollution, but there is a lack of suitable machine for placement of fertilisers. To address this and other issues for low yields of ratoon sugarcane, a prototype of multi-purpose machine was developed for operations like stubble shaving, off-barring, root pruning and drilling of basal fertilisers, Use of tractor drawn ratoon manager and band application of 125 kg N/ha at the time of ratooning with ratoon manager followed by application of 62.5 kg N/ha at 45, 90 and 120 days after ratooning recorded highest cane yield of 81.96 t/ha which was 30.3%  more over farmers practice (burning of trash and application N in 4 equal splits @ 62.5 kg/ha at basal, 45, 90 and 120 days after ratooning) where it was recorded only 57.13 t/ha. Use of tractor drawn ratoon manager and band application of 125 kg N/ha at the time of ratooning with ratoon manager recorded highest gross returns of Rs. 2,65,623/- which is 31.32% more than farmers practice with a BC ratio of 2.26.