Irrigation

Sugar cane is made-up of 80% water, which is essential to its growth. Common sources of irrigation water are rivers, reservoir, and springs. These water sources are very critical to organic sugar cane production because most of them are contaminated by chemical inputs from adjacent conventionally farmed fields. Do not use contaminated irrigation water in fields for organic production.

Drainage

Also, consider the drainage system in the farm, since the Philippines has high rainfall intensity during certain months of the year. Removal of excess water is as important as acquiring irrigation water. The occasional and seasonal heavy rains cause saturation and bring water table to and desirable levels, erosion on bare and newly planted fields, and even flooding. Situations like these can be avoided through proper drainage system that can handle the most critical volume of excess water. Common drainage systems are composed of ditches strategically located and constructed in the fields. Size and shape of drainage systems depend on the topography, catchment areas, rainfall intensity, and time required to remove runoff.