Sugarcane ratoon crop is the crop that grows from the stubble left after the main crop is harvested. Ratoon sugarcane saves time, reduces cost, and gives quicker returns because farmers do not have to prepare the field or plant setts again. However, ratoon crops usually give lower yield than the plant crop if nutrients are not managed properly. Since ratoon sugarcane grows from old roots and old stubble, it needs timely and balanced nutrient supply to grow strongly and produce good cane.
The first step in ratoon nutrient management begins immediately after harvest. As soon as the main crop is cut, farmers should remove trash and diseased stubble. This helps the new shoots grow without obstruction. After cleaning, the stubble should be shaved uniformly to encourage healthy sprouting. At this stage, applying 10–12 tonnes of farmyard manure (FYM) per acre helps improve soil structure and supplies organic nutrients. FYM also increases microbial activity, which supports ratoon growth.
Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for ratoon sugarcane. Since the ratoon crop emerges quickly and grows fast, nitrogen should be applied early. A common recommendation is 25–30% higher nitrogen compared to the plant crop, because ratoon roots are weaker. Usually, farmers apply 150–200 kg nitrogen per acre, depending on soil fertility. Nitrogen should be applied in two or three split doses. The first dose should be given within 10–15 days after ratooning to support early sprouting. The second dose can be applied 45–60 days later, and the third dose around 90 days, if needed.
Phosphorus and potassium are also essential, although their requirement is slightly lower than nitrogen. If the soil is low in phosphorus, farmers should apply 25–30 kg P₂O₅ per acre at the beginning of the ratoon crop. Phosphorus helps in root regeneration, which is very important in ratoon fields. Potassium is equally important for cane weight, juice quality, and disease resistance. Around 40–50 kg K₂O per acre should be applied, preferably in two splits along with nitrogen.
Micronutrient management is another key factor. Zinc, iron, and magnesium deficiencies are common in ratoon cane because the soil becomes exhausted after continuous cropping. Applying zinc sulphate or spraying micronutrient mixtures during the early growth stage helps ratoon cane grow faster and healthier. Sulphur, supplied through gypsum or sulphur-based fertilizers, improves sugar content and cane strength.
Good irrigation supports nutrient uptake. Ratoon cane needs the first irrigation immediately after stubble shaving. Moist soil helps new shoots emerge quickly. Regular irrigation at proper intervals ensures that applied fertilizers are absorbed well. Waterlogging should be avoided as it affects root activity and nutrient absorption.
Weed control is also important because weeds compete for nutrients. Removing weeds early ensures that the ratoon crop gets maximum benefit from fertilizers.
In simple words, nutrient management in sugarcane ratoon includes adding FYM, applying extra nitrogen in splits, giving balanced phosphorus and potassium, correcting micronutrient deficiencies, ensuring timely irrigation, and keeping the field weed-free. Proper nutrient care helps ratoon sugarcane grow vigorously and produce good yield, often matching or even exceeding the plant crop.
