As one of the most important cash crops worldwide, sugarcane requires specific soil conditions and fertilization techniques to thrive. A critical aspect of fertilizing sugarcane crops is determining the fertilizer dose at the sowing time.
The recommended fertilizer dose for sugarcane crop at sowing time varies based on factors such as soil type, nutrient content, and climatic conditions. However, the general rule of thumb is to supply 100-120 kg N, 50-60 kg P2O5, and 40-50 kg K2O per hectare during sowing. These nutrients are essential for the development of the plant’s root system, which is a crucial stage for a successful harvest.
Nitrogen is typically applied as urea, whereas phosphate and potash are applied as single or complex fertilizers. It is essential to ensure that the sugarcane crop receives an adequate amount of nutrients, as an excessively high or low dose can damage the crop and lower yields.
In addition to providing the necessary nutrients, it’s also important to ensure that the nutrients are distributed evenly throughout the soil. This can be done by broadcasting the fertilizer over the entire field rather than just applying it to the sowing area. When the fertilizer is applied evenly, the plant roots can access nutrients that are further away from the sowing area, helping to ensure their healthy growth.
Moreover, it’s critical not to use excess amounts of nitrogen during sowing as it can cause rampant vegetative growth, leading to lower sugarcane yields. Nitrogen losses due to leaching or volatilization can also occur due to heavy rainfall or drying winds, so it’s important to keep track of changing weather conditions throughout the growing season and adjust the fertilizer application accordingly.
In conclusion, proper fertilization at sowing time is critical for a successful sugarcane harvest. While the recommended dose can vary based on soil type, nutrient content, and climate conditions, fertilizing with adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash is essential for root development, healthy growth, and higher yields. Therefore, farmers need to be meticulous about the fertilizer application technique, and keep track of changing weather patterns to ensure optimal crop sustainability.