Sugarcane is a long-duration and nutrient-demanding crop. Because it grows for nearly a year, proper fertilizer management is essential for achieving high yield, thick canes, and good sugar recovery. If nutrients are not supplied on time or in the correct quantity, the crop becomes weak, thin, and more prone to pests and diseases. Managing fertilizer application in sugarcane involves using organic manure, applying the right dose of NPK, splitting the application, and ensuring proper soil moisture.
Before planting sugarcane, farmers should prepare the field well and add organic manure. Applying 8–10 tonnes of well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) or compost per acre enriches the soil and improves its structure. Organic matter also increases water-holding capacity and supplies slow-release nutrients throughout the crop duration.
The main nutrients required by sugarcane are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). These nutrients support different stages of growth. Nitrogen helps in tillering and cane growth, phosphorus strengthens the roots, and potassium improves sugar content and disease resistance.
A common recommendation for sugarcane is around:
Nitrogen (N): 120–150 kg per acre
Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 30–40 kg per acre
Potassium (K₂O): 40–60 kg per acre
However, the exact requirement may vary depending on soil fertility. Soil testing helps farmers adjust fertilizer doses more accurately.
Phosphorus and potassium should be applied basally at the time of planting. When these nutrients are placed in the furrow along with sett planting, they support strong root establishment and early growth. Phosphorus is especially important during the initial 30–45 days.
Nitrogen, on the other hand, should be applied in two or three split doses. Applying all of it at once leads to wastage and increases lodging or pest attack. A good schedule is:
1st dose: 25–30 days after planting (early tillering)
2nd dose: 60–75 days after planting (active growth stage)
3rd dose: 100–110 days after planting (grand growth stage), if required
Splitting nitrogen ensures steady growth and better nutrient uptake.
Sugarcane responds very well to micronutrients, especially zinc, iron, and magnesium. Deficiencies cause yellowing, poor tillering, and slow growth. Foliar sprays of micronutrient mixtures help correct these deficiencies quickly.
Good irrigation management is closely linked with fertilizer efficiency. Fertilizer should never be applied when the soil is completely dry or during heavy waterlogging. Light irrigation after fertilizer application helps nutrients reach the root zone. Drip irrigation combined with fertigation is ideal because it delivers nutrients directly to the plant roots and reduces wastage.
Farmers should consider using biofertilizers like Azotobacter, Azospirillum, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB). These beneficial microbes help fix nitrogen, release phosphorus, and improve overall soil health.
Keeping the field free from weeds in the early stages enhances fertilizer use efficiency. Weeds compete for nutrients and water, reducing the benefit to the crop.
In simple words, fertilizer management in sugarcane includes using organic manure, applying the right NPK dose, giving nitrogen in split applications, using micronutrients, maintaining proper irrigation, and supporting soil health with biofertilizers. When these practices are followed correctly, sugarcane grows stronger, taller, and produces higher yield with better sugar content.
