Weed Management in Sugarcane Ratoon: A Key Component of Crop Yield and Quality
Sugarcane crop yield and quality can suffer significantly due to weed infestations. Proper weed management is therefore an essential component of sugarcane production practices. This is particularly important in sugarcane ratoon, where the crop faces greater weed pressure due to residual stubble and regrowth from the previous crop.
Effective weed control is essential to ensure that sugarcane ratoon plants can access optimum resources like nutrients, water, and sunlight. Weed interference causes reduced cane yield and juice quality, leading to major economic losses. In this article, we will discuss some key strategies for managing weed infestations in sugarcane ratoon crops.
Cultural control measures
Cultural practices can play an essential role in controlling weeds by preventing their establishment or reducing their competitive effect. Practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and planting green manure cover crops can help manage weeds effectively.
Crop rotation can be used to break the weed’s life cycle and reduce weed seed bank build-up. Intercropping or mixed cropping of sugarcane with other crops adds diversity to the system, reducing weed pressure, improving soil structure and microflora and yields. Planting some green manure crops covers the soil year-round and reduces weed growth by inhibiting light penetration.
Chemical weed control
The use of chemical herbicides is a common weed control strategy in sugarcane crop management. Herbicides are selected and applied carefully to avoid any negative impact on sugarcane plants and the environment. Several herbicides can be used for weed control in sugarcane ratoon, including the use of pre-emergent herbicides, post-emergent herbicides, and integrated weed management.
Pre-emergent herbicides are applied before weed seed germination and thus prevent the weeds from establishing, while post-emergent herbicides are applied after weed emergence. Integrated weed management (IWM) strategies involve using different weed control measures, methods, and techniques to achieve better weed control and reduce toxic chemical usage.
Mechanical and manual weed control
Mechanical methods for controlling weeds in sugarcane mainly include tillage, hoeing, and cultivation. Machinery like harrows and discs can break and uproot weeds, while manual weeding with hoes, machetes, and mechanical hand-weeding tools can be used to remove weeds manually. These methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, but they are essential when the use of herbicides is not feasible in non-chemical farming operations.
In conclusion, effective weed control is imperative for sugarcane ratoon crop productivity and profitability. A sound weed management strategy is essential to prevent weed infestations, reduce crop yield losses, and maintain sustainable sugarcane production. The combination of cultural, mechanical, chemical, and manual control methods can help achieve optimal weed management outcomes in sugarcane ratoon.