Effect of organic manures in comparision with inorganic fertilizers on sustainable sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L) production

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted at Sugarcane Research Station (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University), Cuddalore to assess the feasibility of various organic modules for sustainable sugarcane production with two varieties viz., CoC (SC) 23 and Co86032 under eight different organic sources and inorganic fertilizers. The results showed that between the two varieties studied, CoC (SC) 23 (V1) recorded higher germination (77.2%), root length (37.7cm) and wide spread (18.1cm) roots, more number of tillers (122161/ha), higher leaf area (206 cm2 /leaf), lower specific leaf area (85 cm2/g) and higher relative water content (77%) irrespective of the treatments. The variety CoC (SC) 23 also produced more number of shoots on 8th month (102160/ ha) than Co 86032, leading to more number of millable cane (84349 /ha). It also produced lengthier canes (198 cm), higher cane yield (59.8t /ha) and sugar yield (6.77 t /ha). Among the eight organic and inorganic fertilizers tried, revised NPK schedule of 300 : 100 : 200kg/ha (T8) produced deeper (43.0 cm) and wide spread (20.1 cm) roots, more number of tillers (129754/ha), higher leaf area (232cm2 /leaf), lower specific leaf area (80 cm2/g) and higher relative water content (86%), irrespective of the varieties. The variety CoC (SC) 23 was found to be more suitable for sustainable sugarcane production under both organic and inorganic fertilizer schedules than Co 86032. Revised NPK 300: 100: 200kg/ha recorded higher cane yield and quality.