Effect of sulphur on productivity and quality of sugarcane plant and ratson crops grown in sugarcane (plant)-ratoon-wheat (Triticum aestivum) system on IGP alluvial soils

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the spring seasons of 1998 to 2001 on sugarcane (plant)-ratoon- wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) cropping system. Five levels of sulphur (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg Stha) were applied to sugarcane plant crop grown in randomized block design with 4 replications. Increasing level of sulphur increased the number of millable canes significantly. Higher cane growth (length, diameter and weight) was also obtained with increasing level of sulphur. Maximum sugarcane yield (77.68 tonnestha) was harvested with application of 80 kg Stha. The differences between 80 and 60 kg Stha and 60 and 40 kg Stha -were, however, not significant, indicating 60 kg Stha as optimum level. Sulphur applied in sugarcane plant crop improved the yield of ratoon as well. An increase of 20.89% in ratoon yield was observed from 0 to 80 kg Stha applied to plant crop.