Sugarcane ratoon crop plays a very important role in increasing farm income because it saves time, labour, and cost of land preparation. A ratoon crop is taken from the regrowth of stubbles left after harvesting the main sugarcane crop. However, ratoon sugarcane often gives lower yield if nutrients are not managed properly. Good nutrient management is the key to getting a healthy and productive ratoon crop.
One major reason for poor ratoon performance is nutrient depletion. The main crop already removes a large amount of nutrients from the soil, so the ratoon crop starts with lower soil fertility. Therefore, ratoon sugarcane needs timely and balanced nutrient application to support quick sprouting, strong tillering, and good cane growth.
The first step in nutrient management starts immediately after harvesting the main crop. Harvesting should be done close to the ground to encourage uniform sprouting. After harvest, dry leaves and trash should be managed properly. Trash mulching is beneficial because it conserves moisture, adds organic matter, and slowly releases nutrients into the soil.
Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for ratoon sugarcane. Ratoon crop requires more nitrogen than the plant crop because roots are older and less efficient. Nitrogen helps in early sprouting, tiller formation, and cane growth. Nitrogen should be applied as early as possible, usually soon after harvest, to support quick regrowth. It should be applied in split doses to reduce loss and improve uptake.
Phosphorus is essential for root growth and early plant establishment. Since ratoon roots are already present, phosphorus helps strengthen the root system and supports early growth. Phosphorus is usually applied as a basal dose along with the first nitrogen application.
Potassium plays a major role in cane strength, sugar formation, and resistance to drought and diseases. Ratoon crops often show potassium deficiency because a large amount is removed by the previous crop. Adequate potassium application improves cane thickness, juice quality, and overall yield.
Organic manure and crop residues are very useful in ratoon sugarcane. Applying well-decomposed farmyard manure or compost improves soil structure and microbial activity. Organic matter also improves nutrient availability and water-holding capacity, which is very helpful for ratoon crops.
Micronutrients such as zinc, iron, and magnesium may also be deficient, especially in intensively cultivated fields. Deficiency symptoms like yellowing, poor growth, or uneven crop stand should be corrected quickly. Foliar spraying of micronutrients gives faster results in ratoon crops.
Irrigation management is closely linked with nutrient use. Adequate moisture is needed for nutrient absorption. The ratoon crop should not face moisture stress during early sprouting and tillering stages. At the same time, waterlogging should be avoided because it damages roots and reduces nutrient uptake.
Weed control is also important for effective nutrient use. Weeds compete strongly with ratoon sugarcane for nutrients and water. Early weed management ensures that applied nutrients are used by the crop instead of weeds.
Soil testing is very helpful for deciding the correct fertilizer dose. It helps farmers avoid underuse or overuse of fertilizers and saves cost.
In conclusion, good nutrient management in sugarcane ratoon crop includes early fertilizer application, higher nitrogen dose in split form, adequate phosphorus and potassium, use of organic manure, micronutrient correction, and proper irrigation. With timely and balanced nutrition, ratoon sugarcane can give good yield and profit, almost comparable to the main crop.
