SUGARCANE PRODUCTION

M.IRFAN ARSHAD
CREDIT & VO HELP OFFICER
CROP MAXIMIZATION PROJECT-II
DISU, RAHIM YAR KHAN
 UNDERSTANDING SUGARCANE PLANT

Main parts are:

1. Leaf
2. Stalk
3. Root
 SUGARCANE LEAF

Two parts:
1. Sheath
2. Blade

 Sheath and blade are connected by blade joint

 Sheath is attached at node and covers completely at least
one internode of stalk
 Mature sugarcane plant has about ten leaves
 SUGARCANE LEAF…

 Three Types of Tissue in leaf blade

1) Epidermis
(Protect mesophyll tissue and contain stomata)

2) Mesophyll
(Perform photosynthesis)

3) Veins
(Fibrovascular bundles- Contain bundles of xylem and phloem)
 FUNCTIONS OF THE LEAF
PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Synthesis carbohydrates from CO2 and H2O using sun energy

6CO2 + 6H2O (+sunlight) C6H12 O6 + 6O2

Two molecules of glucose combine to form sucrose

C6 H12 O6 + C6 H12 O6 C12 H22 O11 + H2O

RESPIRATION

Consume O2 and release energy by disintegrating carbohydrates

The released energy is used by plant

C6 H12 O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O (+ usable energy)

 FUNCTIONS OF THE LEAF…

• Functional life of a leaf is 60 to 75 days

• Ideally leaf area index (LAI), ratio of leaf area
to corresponding land, during July, August
and September should be 3.1, 3.4 and 3.8
respectively
 STALK OF SUGARCANE

 Stalk consists of segments called joints

 Each joint is made of node and internode
 Node contains bud and root primordia

 Joints at the base are short and length of internodes gradually

increase
 When seed cane is planted, each bud give rise to primary
shoot which in turn produce secondary shoots (tillers)
 STALK OF SUGARCANE…
 Top 1/3 of stalk contains many buds and good nutrient supply, hence very

good for use as seed

 Lower 2/3 is high in sucrose and good for milling

 The stalk contains vascular bundles (xylem and phloem)

 Xylem carries water and nutrients upward

 Phloem conducts manufactured food to lower parts of the plant

 ROOT OF SUGARCANE…

• Buds on sets become active within three days after

planting and set roots begin to grow from root band at
the base of the internode
• Set roots grow at a maximum rate of 24 mm per day
and stop elongating when these are 150 to 250 mm
long
• These turn dark, decompose and disappear within 2
month after planting
• Shoot roots begin to grow from short basal internode
of the shoot immediately after its emergence from soil
• Earlier shoot roots are much thicker than set roots and
penetrate soil at a higher speed keeping steep angle @
40mm per day
• Shoot roots produced later are finer and branch more
freely than earlier shoot roots
 MAIN FUNCTIONS OF ROOT

 Anchoring support to the plant

 Uptake of water and required
food nutrients
 Excretion of unwanted nutrients
in the plant
 SUGARCANE GERMINATION

o
 Soil temperature from 20 to 30 C is ideal for
germination
o
 Germination is checked below 10 and above 40 C
 Eight months old cane is best for germination
 Sets with two nodes having viable buds should be used
 Proper moisture contents of sets and soil is required
 Less use of nitrogenous fertilizer at sowing because
excessive use of N at sowing has adverse effect on
germination
 Sets should not have more than “2 soil cover
 Seed treatment with fungicide accelerate germination
process
 SUGARCANE TILLERING

 It is development of secondary shoots from primary shoot

 It is development of secondary shoots from primary shoot
 Early Tillering is necessary for good yield
 Early Tillering is necessary for good yield
 Tillers produced during 40 to 50 days after planting give
 Tillers produced during 40 to 50 days after planting give
best yield
best yield
 Tillers formed after 120 days of planting reduce the
 Tillers formed after 120 days of planting reduce the
quality of the cane
quality of the cane
 Profused sun light is necessary for Tillering
 Profused sun light is necessary for Tillering
 Temperature from 20 to 30 oCo is required
 Temperature from 20 to 30 C is required
 More Tillers are produced in September sowing
 More Tillers are produced in September sowing
 After having desired number of Tillers earthing up is must
 After having desired number of Tillers earthing up is must
to stop unwanted Tillers
to stop unwanted Tillers
 SUGARCANE DEVELOPMENT STAGES

• Tillering
(Up to 120 DAP)
• Stem Elongation
(121 DAP-195 DAP)
• Maturity
(196 DAP-Harvesting)

DAP = Days after planting

 PRODUCTION
TECHNOLOGY OF
SUGARCANE

CROP MAXIMIZATION PROJECT-II

Rahim Yar Khan
 LAND PREPARATION

 Soil required: loam to heavy loam with

good drainage and no salinity/sodicity
problem

 Rotavate remains of previous crop to

plough back the biomass

 Twice chisel cross-wise or once furrow

turning to break the hard pan and
increase root zone
 LAND PREPARATION….

 once or twice cultivate to pulverize

the soil. Final seed bed should have
fine granular shape
 Leveling If Required. After rough land
leveling, precision land leveling
should also be done with laser if time
permits
 APPLICATION OF FARM YARD MANURE

 If possible apply 3 to 4 trolleys of FYM per acre before sowing

 After having 2 to 3 crops of sugarcane, green manuring is

necessary (jantar, guara, berseem etc)

 Add half bag of Urea per acre at the time of ploughing back

the green manure

 Sow sugarcane after at least 30 days of burrying green manure

 Alternatively apply 2 to 4 trolleys of press mud

 TIME OF PLANTING

SPRING SOWING
 Last week of January to 1st week of March is ideal

 Yield is substantially reduced in sowings after 15th March

SEPTEMBER SOWING
 Entire month of September is recommended.

 Sowing during August results in over growth and lodging.

 VARIETIES OF SUGARCANE

Early Maturing Mid Maturing Late Maturing Banned

CP 77-400 BL - 4 L 118 Triton

L 116 BF -162 COJ 84 COL 54

CP 72-2086 SPSG - 26 - CO 1148 (Indian)

CPF 43-33 SPF -213 - COL 29

CPF 237 SPF - 234 - COL 44

HSF 240 SPF -245 - -

HSF 242 - - -
CPF 243 - - -
 SELECTION OF SEED OF SUGARCANE

 Seed should not be drawn from lodged field

 Better if we grow separate seed block with intensive

care

 Damage to buds should be avoided during handling

i.e., cutting, transportation, removing trash and

preparation of sets etc.

 SELECTION OF SEED OF SUGARCANE…

 Trash should be removed completely failing which

germination will be less and chances of termite attack will

increase.

 Dipping of sets in fungicide solution for 5 minutes using 0.2%

solution of benlate, or vitavex or Eglol or Aereton

 Seed should be sown as soon as possible after cutting to

avoid desiccation.
 SELECTION OF SEED OF SUGARCANE…

 Seed should be drawn only from healthy crop

 While preparing sets diseased and weak cane should be
discarded
 For spring sowing seed must not be drawn from ratoon crop
 For September sowing seed can be obtained from ratoon of
last year September crop
 For spring crop sowing, seed from spring crop is better
 Top 1/3 of cane is better for seed
 SEED RATE OF SUGARCANE

 Per acre 25 to 30 thousand sets each with two buds are

required

 These can be obtained from 80 to 100 maunds of cane

 This much seed can be had from 12 to 16 marlas depending

on health of the crop

 In case of late sowing seed rate should be increased

 PLANTING OF SUGARCANE

 After seed bed preparation and

leveling prepare 10 to 18 inches deep

and four feet apart trenches with

sugarcane ridger

 Apply complete dose of phosphatic

and potash fertilizers in trenches

 PLANTING OF SUGARCANE…

 Put head to head single set row on

both sides of the ridge in a trench
 Apply light soil cover manually but
do not plank
 Apply light irrigation, on drying again
apply till sugarcane germinates
 ADVANTAGES OF SOWING IN TRENCHES
OVER TRADITIONAL METHOD

1. More air, light and nutrients available to plants

2. Interculture becomes easier

3. Irrigation to alternate furrow can be applied and we can

save water and lodging of the crop

4. Fertilizer use efficiency is increased

5. Pesticide application both granules and liquid becomes

easier

6. Harvesting of the crop becomes easier

 WEED CONTROL IN SUGARCANE
Common weeds of sugarcane are:
1. Itsit (Trianthema Portulacastrum)
2. Moti Khabal (Digitaria Sanguinalis)
3. Hazardani (Euphorbia Granulata)
4. Jangli Palak (Rumex Obtusifolius)
5. Bhakra (Tribulus Terrestris)
6. Deela (Scirpus Maritimus )
7. Khabal Ghas (Cynodon Dactylon)
8. Mudhana (Dactyloctenium Aegyptium)
9. Morak (Cyperus Rotundus)
PICTORIAL VIEW OF WEEDS OF SUGARCANE
 WEED CONTROL IN SUGARCANE…
 Spray Ametryne + Atrazine in furrows when soil is in good moist
(Tarwatar) condition after Ist irrigation using following dose
Soil Type Dose per acre in furrows only
(Kg. in 50 to 75 liter water)
Loam 0.8
Clay Loam 1.0
Sandy loam or saline 0.5

 In case of application on entire area dose should be doubled

 The weedicide is effective for 8 to 10 weeks provided no hoeing is done
after its application
 Only Flat Fan nozzle should be used
 Control weeds on beds through interculture
 NUTRIENT REQUIREMENT OF SUGARCANE

Macro Nutrients

C, H, O N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S

Micro Nutrients

Zn, B, Fe, Cu, Mn, Mo, cl (Si, Na)

Elements of Nutritional Concern

N, P, K, Mg, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, SI, Zn

 MOBILITY OF NUTRIENTS WITHIN SUGARCANE PLANT

Mobile Nutrients
N, P, K, Na, Mg, S, Cl
Immobile
B, Fe, Ca
Partially mobile
Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo
Deficiency symptoms of mobile nutrients first appear on older
leaves and those of immobile on younger leaves
 FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUGARCANE

Fertility of Recommended Recommendations

Soil Nutrients Per Acre in bags Per Acre
N P K

Poor 119 69 50 4 Urea + 3 DAP + 2K2SO4

Average 93 46 50 3.25 Urea + 2 DAP + 2K2SO4
Rich 67 23 25 2.5 Urea + 1 DAP + 1K2SO4
 METHOD OF APPLICATION OF FERTILIZER

 Entire P2O5 and K2O should be applied in trenches at sowing

 For September sowing 1/3 N in November after completion of

germination, 1/3 in March and 1/3 in April just before

earthing up

 For spring plantation 1/3 in April, after complete germination,

1/3 in May and 1/3 in June just before earthing up

 IRRIGATIONS FOR SUGARCANE
 For spring crop delta of water is 64 inches
 Keeping in view harshness of weather irrigations need to be applied as
under:
PERIOD NO. OF IRRIGATIONS INTERVAL OF
IRRIGATIONS
March – April 2-3 20 to 30 Days
May – June 5-6 10 to 12 Days
July – August 3-4 15 to 20 Days
September – October 2-3 20 to 30 Days
November – February 2-3 40 to 60 Days
Total Irrigations 14-19 -
 For September sowing 20 irrigations are required
 Every irrigation about “4 deep
 IRRIGATIONS FOR SUGARCANE…

 To save water irrigations can be give in alternate furrows.

 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE

TOP BORER
ACTIVE PERIOD
March to October
MODE OF DAMAGE
Damage is caused by caterpillar which is generally
found in the top portion of sugarcane. The shoots
attacked by first two broods (April-June) are
killed. The subsequent broods attacking the
terminal portions of canes, cause bunchy tops.
Canes affected by third brood (July) remain
stunted in growth and there is generally decrease

of 14-15% in height of such canes

 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE…

TOP BORER…
MANAGEMENT
– Cut and destroy the attacked tillers from April to June.
– Destroy hibernating larvae by cutting attacked tops before
15th of February.
– Use light traps to kill moths.
– Apply granular insecticide in early crop stage, Furadan 3 GB
@ 15 kg./acre.
 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE

STEM BORER
ACTIVE PERIOD
March to October
MODE OF DAMAGE
This is very injurious pest and its caterpillars
destroy about 20% of the young shoots during April
to June annually. The larvae after hatching from
the eggs reach the plant base, bore into shoot and
feed there. In years of severe infestation, damage
may be as high as 67%. The caterpillars feed in
the stem and cut off growing points (central whorl
of the leaves). The central dead shoot is called
“dead heart” and such plants never grow
 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE…

STEM BORER…
MANAGEMENT

– Use light traps.

– Bio-control by Trichogramma.

– Apply granular insecticide in early crop stage, Furadan 3 G

@ 15 kg./acre
 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE

ROOT BORER
ACTIVE PERIOD
April to November
MODE OF DAMAGE
The larvae bore into stem below the
soil surface. The attacked plants dry
up. In certain years the young plants
are killed
 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE…

ROOT BORER…
MANAGEMENT

– Use light traps.

– Bio-control by Trichogramma.
– Apply granular insecticide in early crop, Furadan @ 15

kg/acre
 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE

GURDASPUR BORER
ACTIVE PERIOD
July to October
MODE OF DAMAGE
The first generation caterpillars appear in July
(Monsoon) when crop is established. Make
characteristic punctures in the aerial port of the
cane in a circular fashion that the cane is cut in
two parts those ultimately lodge. The dried cane
tops can be spotted in a field. Later large patches
of dried canes appear in the fields which are clear
indication of this pest attack
 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE…

GURDASPUR BORER…
MANAGEMENT

– Destroy infested tops.

– Earthing up ratoon crop in May-June.

– Use light traps.

– Bio-control by Trichogramma
 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE

LEAF HOPPER
ACTIVE PERIOD
Through out the year
MODE OF DAMAGE
The insects feed on the underside of leaves and

desap the plants, Their feeding produces

honeydew which provides a good medium for

the growth of sooty black mould. This black

mould interferes with plant photosynthesis and

thus very little sugar is obtained

 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE…

LEAF HOPPER…
MANAGEMENT
– Destroy egg masses.
– Bio-control with Epiricania melanoleuca and Tetrastichus.
– Avoid insecticide spray and trash burning.
– Apply granular insecticide during early crop stage, Furadan
3 G @ 15 kg./acre.
 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE

SUGARCANE BLACK BUG

ACTIVE PERIOD
Through out the year
MODE OF DAMAGE

Both nymph and adult cluster in central leaf whorl, sheath

bases of lower leaves of young plants and suck sap. The

attacked leaves show pale, brown patches and dry up

gradually. Holes of their feeding are also noticeable. In

severe attack whole crop looks as if have been burnt up.

 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE…

SUGARCANE BLACK BUG…

MANAGEMENT

– Destroy stumps to avoid over-wintering adults.

– Avoid ratooing of heavily infested fields.

– Frequent irrigations.
 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE

SUGARCANE WHITEFLY
ACTIVE PERIOD
May to October
MODE OF DAMAGE

The nymphs damage by sucking cell sap that affect keeping

quality of “Gur”/sugar.
 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE…

SUGARCANE WHITEFLY…
MANAGEMENT

– Avoid insecticide spray.

– Avoid trash burning.

– Removal of severely infested leaves.

– Introduction of natural enemies (Chrysoperla and

Coccinellids)

– Apply granular insecticides, Furadan 3 G @ 15 kg/acre. .

 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE

TERMITES
ACTIVE PERIOD
April to June and October
MODE OF DAMAGE

Termite attack results in poor germination

and drying up of shoots. The termites live on

cellulose which they obtain from dead and

living vegetative matter.

 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE…

TERMITES…
MANAGEMENT

– Use well rotten FYM.

– Irrigation reduces attack.

– Apply chlorpyrifos @ 2 litre/acre with

irrigation from April to June

 MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE

SUGARCANE MITE
ACTIVE PERIOD
April to June
MODE OF DAMAGE

Both nymphs and adults suck sap from leaves

MANAGEMENT
–Clean cultivation.
–Do not allow to grow “baru” grass in and around the
sugarcane fields.
–Irrigation reduces pest incidence.
MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE…

RODENTS
• ACTIVE PERIOD
–THROUGH OUT THE YEAR
• MODE OF DAMAGE
Cut the sugarcane stem at
soil level
MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE…

RODENTS
• MANAGEMENT
– Make wats and bunds afresh annually.
– Removal of weeds and wild plantation.
– Mechanical control through traps and cages etc.
– Avoid killing of jackals, cats and owls.
– Apply Zinc phosphide @ 5% bait.
– Fumigate the rat holes with Phosphin gas (Agtoxin) @ 1-2
tablets per hole.
MANAGEMENT OF SUGARCANE DISEASES…

•RED ROT
–Casual organism:- Fungus - Physalospora
•Symptoms and mode of damage
The disease appear in the month of
September and October. Basically affect
the stalk. If stalk is splited lengthwise,
dull red tissues throughout internode are
seen. Redness travels to adjoining
internode through the node. The pith
gradually dries up and cane get shrivelled
and looses its weight. Translocation of
water and nutrients to leaves are
hampered which result in dieing of leaves
and ultimately whole field gets dried up
and is visible from distance.
MANAGEMENT OF SUGARCANE DISEASES…

RED ROT…
MANAGEMENT

1.Plant resistant varieties

2.Seed used for planting must be disease free

3.The diseased fields should not be ratooned

4.Sets should be dipped in vitavax (1:800) or Dithane M-

45 (1:400) or Benlate (1:1600) solution before sowing

 MANAGEMENT OF SUGARCANE DISEASES…

•SUGARCANE SMUT
–Casual organism:- Fungus – Ustilago scitaminea
•Symptoms and mode of damage
–The disease is characterized by the emergence of a
long whip like shoot from terminal bud. It is dull
white at first and later become black and dusty. The
whip is usually 60 to 90 cm long and may be coiled or
curved back on itself. The infested plant before
appearance of whip may be recognized by their small
narrow leaves and slender stalk with widely spaced
nodes. After production of the smutted top, the buds
down below begin to sprout and every one of them
produce black whip. The affected cane hardly give
any yield.
MANAGEMENT OF SUGARCANE DISEASES…

SUGARCANE SMUT…
MANAGEMENT

1.Sow only resistant varieties

2.Use healthy seed

3.Diseased crop should not be ratooned

4.Diseased shoots should be covered with plastic bag and removed

carefully to check spread of spores

5.Sets before sowing should be dipped in 0.5% solution of Agalol or

0.03% benlate solution or 0.1% solution of Dithane M-45 or 0.05%
solution of vitavax
MANAGEMENT OF SUGARCANE DISEASES…

•SUGARCANE MOSAIC
Casual organism:- Virus (Strains A, B, C, D, E, F and G)

•Symptoms and mode of damage

–Leaves loose chlorophyll in patches and

yellowish areas appear on leaves. These areas

later elongate and take the shape of irregular

stripes. Their symptoms are more distinct on

actively growing basal portions of young leaves.

The disease spread very rapidly and severely

affect photosynthesis process

MANAGEMENT OF SUGARCANE DISEASES…

SUGARCANE MOSAIC…
MANAGEMENT
Transmission from one crop to the next is through seed.
Normally aphids are the vector. Control operations should
include the following.
1. Use resistant varieties
2. Use healthy seed
3. Ratooning of diseased fields should be avoided
4. Tools used for cutting seed should be flamed periodically.
MANAGEMENT OF SUGARCANE DISEASES…

SUGARCANE POKKAH BOENG

Casual organism:- Gibberella moniliformis
Symptoms and mode of damage

The disease is characterized by the presence of

chlorotic areas on the basal portions of some leaves.

As the affected leaves mature, irregular reddish

stripes and specks develop within the chlorotic parts.

The most advanced and serious stage of Pokkah boeng

is the top rot. The young spindle is killed and the

entire top of the plant dies. Photosynthesis is

seriously affected and yield is reduced

MANAGEMENT OF SUGARCANE DISEASES…

SUGARCANE POKKAH BOENG…

MANAGEMENT

1. Cultivate only resistant varieties.

2. The diseased plants showing top rot. Symptom should

not be used for seed.

MANAGEMENT OF SUGARCANE DISEASES…
•SUGARCANE RED STRIPE
–Casual organism:- bacterium - Xanthomonas rubriieans
•Symptoms and mode of damage
Red strips disease consists of two forms, leaf stripe and top
rot. Leaf stripes have first a water soaked appearance but
later brown dark red to maroon. Usually, the stripes appear
midway in the leaf and near the midrib. Red stripe occurs
mostly on the young and middle aged leaves, rather than
oldest leaves of the plant. The disease may attack the
leaves which are partially unrolled and if sufficiently
severe, cause a top rot.
MANAGEMENT OF SUGARCANE DISEASES…

SUGARCANE RED STRIPE…

MANAGEMENT

1. Cultivation of resistance varieties

2. Seed from the affected plants should not be used

 RATOON SUGARCANE

 Crop to be kept ratoon should be harvested from end

January to 1st week of March. This is best time for tillering
of ratoon crop
 If early harvested crop is kept for ratoon the buds are
damaged due to low temperature
 For filling the gaps stubbles of the same variety may be
transplanted from a field which is not to be kept as ratoon.
 Stubble shaver or rotavator should be used for better
germination but it must not go deeper than 1 to 1.5 inches
THANK YOU
 PROPERTIES OF RECOMMENDED
VARIETIES OF SUGARCANE
Variety Year of Achievable Sugar Maturity Ratoon Tillering Disease
Yield resistance
release Potential %age Period
(mds/acre)

BL-116 1968 1300 10.34 Dec. to Average Low Susceptible

Mar.

L-116 1973 925 10.81 Nov. to Good High -do-

Mar.

L-118 1975 1025 8.28 Feb. to V. Good High -do-

Apr.

BF-162 1990 1300 10.35 Dec. to Good Mid -do-

Mar.

CP-77-400 1996 1300 11.90 Nov. to Good High Resistant

Mar.

CP-77-2086 1996 1085 12.35 Oct. to Good High -do-

Mar.

CP-43-33 975 11.60 Nov. to V. Good V. High -do-

Mar.
 PROPERTIES OF RECOMMENDED
VARIETIES OF SUGARCANE...
Variety Year of Achievable Sugar Maturity Ratoon Tillering Disease
release Yield %age
Potential Period resistance
(mds/acre)
CPF-237 2000 1400 12.50 Oct. to Mar. V. Good High Resistant

SPF-213 2000 1300 10.50 Dec. to V. Good V. High -do-

Mar.

SPF-245 2004 1200 11.00 Dec. to V. Good High Tolerant

Mar.

COJ-84 2000 1200 9.80 Jan. to Apr. V. Good V. High -do-

HSF-240 2002 1355 11.70 Nov. to V. Good V. High Resistant

Apr.

HSF-234 2002 1450 11.60 Dec. to V. Good V. High Tolerant

Apr.

SPSG-26 1999 1200 11.50 Dec. to Average Low Susceptible

Mar.
 GREEN MANURING FOR SUGARCANE

 For sugarcane green manuring is recommended when

fields are being replanted because it
 does not result in loss of one crop year
 Does not interfere with germination of the cane
 helps in control of weeds
 Results in significant increase of yield
GREEN MANURING FOR SUGARCANE…
 Jantar, Guara, Berseem etc. can be used as green manure
crop.
 Legume seed may be inoculated before sowing to ensure
good nitrogen fixation
 Legumes should be incorporated in soil when approximately
50% of the plants are flowering. Going beyond this stage
and earlier to this stage will result in lower N return to soil
 Sugarcane should be planted about 30 days after
incorporation of green biomass.
ADVANTAGES OF GREEN MANURING
 Increase microbial activity in soil
 Increase soil water retention
 Fixes atmospheric N
 Provides recycling of nutrients
 Controls weeds
 Controls soil erosion
 Some legumes used as green manure help
in control of plant parasitic nematodes
 NUTRIENT PERCENTAGE IN
DIFFERENT FERTILIZERS
Nutrient Total Nutrients Per Bag
Fertilizer % age (Kg)

N P2O5 K2O N P2O5 K2O

Urea 46 - - 23.0 - -
Nitrophos 23 23 - 11.5 11.5 -
Ammonium Nitrate 26 - - 13.0 - -
Single Super Phosphate - 18 - - 9.0 -
Triple Super Phosphate - 46 - - 23.0 -
Diammonium phosphate 18 46 - 9.0 23.0 -
Mono ammonium Phosphate 11 52 - 5.0 23.7 -
Potassium Sulphate - - 50 - - 25
Potassium Chloride - - 60 - - 30
 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF
PRESS MUD
COMPONENT PERCENT
Sugar 0.85
Organic matter 69.15
Inorganic matter 19.165
Iron 0.006
Copper 0.004
Zinc 0.002
Sulphur 5.8
Phosphorus 1.00
Potash 0.80
Nitrogen 2.00
Calcium 1.00
Chloride 0.163
Magnesium 0.04
Manganese 0.02
NITROGEN REQUIREMENTS FOR SUGARCANE

 Taken up as No3, NH+4 and Urea

 Used in synthesis of amino acids, which are used for
protein and nucleic acid formation
 Integral part of chlorophyll
 Adequate N availability is necessary for vegetative
growth.
 N application is required in all types of soils
 Split doses required to increase use efficiency.
 Adequate N supply at critical growth stages is must.
 Inadequate supply of N can result in stunted plants,
premature ripening, reduced biomass and less sugar
yields.
NITROGEN REQUIREMENTS FOR SUGARCANE..

 Applied N is converted to No3 which is taken up by

sugarcane plant

 Since No3 is negatively charged, it cannot be absorbed on

exchange complex having negative charge. So it is more

prone to leaching losses and are required to be applied

when it is most required by plants (grand growth period)

 NITROGEN REQUIREMENTS FOR SUGARCANE..

Deficiency of N results in
uniformly pale green to yellow
leaf blade of older leaves.
Internodal growth is reduced and
stalk becomes short. If deficiency
continues, the tips and margins of
older leaves become necrotic.
 PHOSPHORUS REQUIREMENTS FOR SUGARCANE

 Taken up as H2PO4- , HPO4-- (Orthophosphate ions). H2PO4- and

HPO4-- are absorbed better at low and high pH respectively.

Some phosphorus is also absorbed in its organic form i.e.
Nucleic acid and phytin.
 Integral part of ADP and ATP (Adenosine di and tri
phosphate) which are energy storage and transfer agents.
The energy basically generated through photosynthesis,
stored and transported by ADP and AT P is used in
vegetative and reproductive growth.
 PHOSPHORUS REQUIREMENTS
FOR SUGARCANE….
 Important component of nucleic acid coenzymes,
nucleotides, phosphoproteins, phospholipids and sugar
phosphates
 Helps in seed formation and reproductive growth
 Adequate P availability is necessary for root
development, high yield of sugarcane and sucrose
 P application for sugarcane is required in all types of
soils
 Deficiency of P results in inadequate use of moisture,
and nutrients
 Deficiency of P is more prominent in ratoon crop
 PHOSPHORUS REQUIREMENTS
FOR SUGARCANE….
 Deficiency symptoms first
appear on older leaves, which
turn bluish green in colour.
Red and purple colour is also
seen. Internode length, total
stalk length and stalk
diameter are reduced. In
acute deficiency leaf foliage
dies back from leaf tip and
along leaf margins.
 POTASH REQUIREMENTS FOR
SUGARCANE
 Potassium is taken up as K+ ion.
 In plants mostly it exists as K+ ion and does not react with
other substance to form coordinated compounds.
 Being in ionic form helps to maintain Turgidity of cells and
plants. Deficiency of K results in malfunctioning of stomata;
hence reduction in photosynthesis
 80% enzymes inside plants require K+ for their activation.
 POTASH REQUIREMENTS FOR
SUGARCANE…
 Provides osmotic pull that draws water into plant roots.
K deficient plants are less able to use available soil
moisture.
 K regulates stomatal opening and hence decide rate of
transpiration.
 K helps in formation of ATP and ADP which are store
houses and transporting agents of energy.
 Uptake of N is also reduced in K deficient plants. This is
also due to less production of ATP and ADP.
 K application for sugarcane is required for all types of
soils
 POTASH REQUIREMENTS FOR
SUGARCANE…
 Deficiency of K results in
depressed growth, slender stalk,
and distortion of leaves to orange
or reddish brown, Symptoms first
appear on older leaves. Severe
deficiency cause distortion of leaf
spindle producing bunchy top.
 Due to K deficiency use efficiency
of other nutrients and water also
goes down.
SULFUR REQUIREMENT FOR SUGARCANE

 Sulfur is absorbed as So4++

 Small quantities of So2 can also be absorbed through leaves,

but high concentrations are toxic.
 Elemental S can also be absorbed in limited quantity
through leaves.
 Required for synthesis of S – containing amino acids which
are essential components of protein.
 S is also needed for synthesis of other metabolites like Co
enzyme A and vitamin B1
SULFUR REQUIREMENT FOR SUGARCANE…

 Sulfur as nutrient is not required to be added as

sufficient quantity is present in some N, P and K
fertilizers. It is also present in atmosphere as SO2 and
SO3 which is added to soil along with rain water
 Sulfur when added help in reducing soil pH and improve
availability of micronutrients which is best at 7 to 7.5
pH whereas normally soils in R.Y.Khan have pH above 8.
Its addition as soil ameliorator in furrows is
recommended.
 SULFUR REQUIREMENT FOR
SUGARCANE…

 Sulfur deficiency is
characterized by general
chlorosis and yellowing of
leaves, especially younger
leaves. The young leaves
may develop a faint purplish
ting on their margins.
Leaves become small and
narrow.
CALCIUM REQUIREMENT OF SUGARCANE

 Ca is absorbed as Ca++
 Important for structure and permeability
of cell membrane.
 Ca enhances up take of No3 - N.
 Our soils are basically calcareous and
there are remote chances of its
deficiency.
 Shortage of Ca, if any , will lead to rapid
deterioration of plant health
 CALCIUM REQUIREMENT OF
SUGARCANE…
 Ca deficiency result in
limited top and root
growth, older leaves
acquire rusty appearance
and show signs of
mottling and chlorosis.
Young leaves are
distorted
 MAGNESIUM REQUIREMENT OF
SUGARCANE
 Mg is absorbed as Mg++

 Primary constituent of the chlorophyll molecule – 15 to

20 % w/w of chlorophyll
 Very important for protein synthesis

 Magnesium is important component of the chlorophyll

molecule and is essinal for photosynthesis
 So for this element is not deficient in our soils
 MAGNESIUM REQUIREMENT OF
SUGARCANE…

 Its deficiency, if any,

is distinguished by

rust like red bricking

(light brown spot) on

older leaves.
BORON REQUIREMENT FOR SUGARCANE

 Absorbed by plants as boric acid (H3 BO3)

 Very important for the development of meristematic
tissues
 Helps in flowering and fruit development
 Helps in translocation of sugars, starches, N and P
 Boron is readily leached from root zone
 Its application in furrows at sowing is recommended @ 1
lb B per acre in case it is found deficient in any field
after soil test
 In B deficient plants young leaves contain clear lesions or
water sacks.
COPPER REQUIREMENTS FOR SUGARCANE

 Absorbed by plants as Cu++

 Absorption of Cu is decreased with increase in pH

 Can be applied through soil and foliage

 So far it is not deficient in our soils

 Copper deficiency, if any, is characterized by dark

green spots on slightly chlorite and wilted leaf blade.

 IRON REQUIREMENTS FOR
SUGARCANE

 Iron is absorbed by plant roots as Fe++ and Fe+++

 Very important for some metabolic processes
 Important for oxidation and reduction reactions
within the plants
 Important for chlorophyll synthesis
 So far it is not deficient in our soils for sugarcane
growing
 IRON REQUIREMENTS FOR
SUGARCANE…

 Deficiency of Iron result

in new leaves bearing

yellowish intervenous

chlorosis while mid rib

may remain green.

 MANGANESE REQUIREMENTS FOR
SUGARCANE
 It is absorbed by plants as Mn++
 Helps in photosynthesis
 Takes part in oxidation -
reduction processes
 Deficiency of manganese result
in Intervenous chlorosis of
newer leaves which progresses
into grey-brownish lesions.
 ZINC REQUIREMENTS FOR
SUGARCANE
 Zn is important for chlorophyll formation

 Zn deficiency is mostly due to anaerobic conditions and high

P contents.

 Zn is less available in alkaline soils as compared to neutral

and acids soils

 Zn deficiency effect ability of plants to regulate P

accumulation.
 ZINC REQUIREMENTS FOR
SUGARCANE…

 Deficiency of Zn result
in Plants having a
reduced development
and a smaller leaf area
formation with a
possible intervenous
cholorisis which begins
at the new leaves.
SILICON REQUIREMENTS FOR SUGARCANE

 Absorbed by plants as monosilicic acid - Si(OH)4

 It contributes to the structure of the cell walls

 Reduces water loss from the plant

 Retard fungal infection

SODIUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUGARCANE

 Absorbed by plants as Na+

 Important for maintaining turgor

 Help in Co2-fixation
 CHLORIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR
SUGARCANE

 It is absorbed by plants as Cl-

 Concentration in plants is 0.2 to 10%

 It plays role in cation neutralization

 Maintain turgor of leaves

 Suppress many diseases in plants

MOLYBDENUM REQUIREMENTS FOR
SUGARCANE
 Absorbed as molybdate (MoO4++)

 Have a role in iron absorption and its translocation

within plants
 Molybdenum deficiency is not frequent. However, a low
level of this nutrient in the tissues affects the nitrogen
assimilation of the plant. Blotchy appearance may
occur on lower leaves.