Sugarcane is a deep-rooted crop, with roots extending up to 1 m deep. It is important to have adequate land preparation for maximum productivity.
Proper land preparation provides favorable soil condition for maximum and rapid germination of sugarcane seed pieces or cuttings. It improves aeration of the soils and water holding capacity and minimizes weed population.
Table 1. Land preparation practices according to soil type
Treatment of planting materials
Generally, treatment of cane points or seed pieces prior to planting is not done. However, to ensure high germination rate and to control occurrence of diseases in the planting materials, consider the following preparations prior to planting:
- if there is disease in the area, practice heat treatment. Use hot water or hot steam air to control viral disease such as sugarcane mosaic as well as bacterial diseases. Treat seed pieces in hot water at 50-51 degrees Celsius for 2 hours.
- if moisture in the soil is not enough, soak seed pieces in water to hasten germination Soak cane points in running water to absorb moisture for about 12-48 hours before planting in the field.
Planting
Plant 3-4 seeds per meter in furrows that are 1 meter apart. A plating depth of 25- 27 cm is reported to give higher germination and sugar yields. Generally, cane points are planted in a slanting orientation. But it was reported that horizontal planting allows for uniform germination, shooting and maturation as well as development of stronger sett and shoot roots and delay floating stubbles.
Figure 4. Planted sugarcane seed pieces
Maintaining soil fertility
Replenishing the supply of essential nutrients in the soil is very important given that the soil is degraded and continuously being depleted of nutrients. Hence, the crop must be adequately provided with nutrients especially in newly established plantations. Planting of legumes, trash small chain and application of organic fertilizers are among the measures to help maintain soil fertility and eventually meet the nutrient requirements for sugar cane growth and development.
Needs of the crop are determined by analysis of the available nutrients in the soil. When calculating for the amount of organic fertilizer to apply, consider that large amounts of harvest residues remain in the fields and legumes are already integrated in the cultivation system.
Apply fertilizer during land preparation or after planting. The table below, shows the different sources of materials for organic fertilizers.
As a rule though, organic fertilizer applied must not exceed 20% of the requirement or 180 kilograms N per hectare per year and 60 kg P2O5 per ha/year. animal manure must not come from large scale /intensive / conventional livestock farms.
apply lime in soils where soil pH is relatively low to neutralize soil acidity and allow optimum soil microbial activity. Spread the lime and incorporate it in the field before plowing or in furrows after planting or stubble shaving.
