Why Fertigation Matters in Sugarcane

Why It Works for Sugarcane

Fertigation via a drip irrigation system works exceptionally well for sugarcane cultivation because it delivers nutrient-rich water directly into the root zones of the stalks. Sugarcanes are long-duration crops and can take 10 to 18 months to reach full maturity. Nutrients delivered directly to the root zone during this time period can be readily absorbed if the fertiliser is well mixed with the water. There is minimal nutrient and water leaching away from the sugarcane plants, and virtually no water or fertiliser waste. Only the proper amount of water and nutrients is delivered, and that is all absorbed by the plants. The water delivery is uniform, and so is the nutrient uptake. 

Key Principles of an Effective Fertigation Schedule

1. Split application vs bulk fertilisation : Split application of fertilisers means the fertilisers are being applied over a period of time, whereas bulk fertilisation means fertilising at one point, usually when planting the seedlings of cut joints. Given the long duration of sugarcane cultivation, split application is the more appropriate fertilising system, but a bulk fertilisation of appropriate nutrients at planting may also be beneficial.
   
   
2. Crop stage-based nutrient demand : For sugarcane, the basic nutrients that are important requirements are phosphorus(P), nitrogen, and potassium for proper plant growth. Phosphate is usually applied at planting time, when the roots have to emerge from the cut stems. Phosphate during this time helps sugarcane stems develop a strong root system. Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are best applied during the tillering and growing seasons and help plants grow faster and better, providing a good estimate of yield. During tillering, additional shoots emerge from the main shoot, determining the final number of sugarcane stalks.
   
   
3. Soil type and climate considerations : Sugarcane grows best in soil that is loamy, loose and with a water table that is 2 meters below the topsoil. Textured loam, sandy loam or clay loam are all applicable. The soil has to be loose and cannot be hard-packed to encourage width growth. The oil also needs to be basic and treated if acidic or alkaline. As for climate conditions, a single sugarcane stalk requires an annual rainfall of between 1100 mm and 15000 mm, evenly distributed throughout the year. Tropical or subtropical temperatures are the best, and sunlight is required in excess. Humidity is more important during the grand growth phase, but not as much during the maturing state, so as to encourage better sucrose yield.
   
   
4. Irrigation–fertigation synchronisation : Irrigation fertigation synchronisation is matching the nutritional and irrigation needs of sugarcane at different stages of growth. Continuous feeding at the appropriate time and amount ensures plants never face nutrient stress, maximising growth potential. The amount of water or nutrients the plants need at a particular stage of their growth may differ from other times, but managing this distinction throughout with a drip irrigation system is far easier to schedule. The best irrigation and fertigation synchronisation can increase crop yield by almost 30-50% per cycle, while saving on water by about 50% and on fertilisers at 25%-30%.

Sugarcane Growth Stages and Nutrient Demand

Sugarcane is a long-duration crop and takes many months to reach maturity. One harvest cycle can be broken into distinct agronomic phases, spanning 10-18 months. Each phase will have different nutrient and water needs, and irrigation and fertigation will need to be scheduled accordingly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-application of fertilisers : Over the duration of the growing of the sugarcane, nutrient needs and amounts will differ. If too much of a compound that is not required at that point is delivered to the plants’ root zones, then they will not take in the nutrients. If the exact nutrient is required but delivered in abundance, the plants might try to overcompensate and absorb too much, which could destabilise their growth. So, over-application of fertilisers to achieve an even bigger yield usually doesn't work out.
2. Irregular scheduling : If the sugarcane plants are irrigated and fertigated irregularly, then the whole harvest will be compromised. They need to be irrigated and fertigated for the approved durations, which vary by growth phase. Irrigating can be twice a week to every two weeks, depending on the plant's needs. What will be enough for one phase may not be enough for another, so scheduling needs to reflect this change as well.
   
   
3. Ignoring crop stage nutrient demand : What is more important for the plant at a certain phase of its growth has to be catered to. Ignoring crop-stage nutrient demands is only going to stress the plants and result in a subpar harvest. If a drip irrigation system is utilised for fertigation, then it must be done properly; it will not be worth it.
   
   
4. Poor system maintenance: The drip irrigation system has to be maintained well throughout the harvest cycle, checking periodically if there is any clogging, whether there are any pressure requirements and if there is a schedule to maintain the system perfectly. The good harvest you are looking for is what you want, and it is best that you do everything by the book to achieve it. 

Benefits of Proper Fertigation Scheduling

Having a proper fertigation schedule in sugarcane farming has many benefits. They are

1. Higher yields : A proper fertigation schedule will help you with an up to 50% increase in yield with a drip system. It will help sugarcane grow and expand at the right times, resulting in much sweeter, juicier stalks. 
   
   
2. Improved sucrose content : Once the sugarcanes have reached maturity properly, they can be fed a mixture of fertilisers and water for long durations, which, with intense sunlight, will make your sugarcanes have higher sucrose levels.
   
   
3. Reduced fertiliser wastage : Since only the exact amount of fertilisers that are required is put into use, there is going to be a significantly high fertiliser efficiency and a reduction in fertiliser wastage up to 25-30%. 
   
   
4. Extended ratoon life : With efficient water and fertiliser distribution, the ratoon life of sugarcane, wherein one root can support many cycles of harvest, can be extended to the maximum level possible.
   
   
5. Lower labour and operational costs : With the drip irrigation system taking care of both irrigation and fertigation, there is less requirement for labour and overall operational costs to run the sugarcane cultivation.  

Conclusion

Having a good, followable and proper fertigation schedule for your sugarcane fields will, without a doubt, give you the full yield potential that your crops have. Your plants will grow well, become huge, tall, sweeter, and more with the application of a correct schedule, and you will reap the benefits without any worry. Get the best drip system as soon as possible and save money on fertilisers, energy, water, and your land itself.

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