Integration of management techniques to develop resource conservation technology for autumn sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) grown on different soils under arid conditions

Abstract

Keeping in view the low fertilizer and water use efficiency of autumn sugarcane in Pakistan, a research project was initiated at the research area of the Rukh Bibi campus of Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan and Main Line Lower Land Reclamation Research Station Chak No 37 TDA (Thal Development Authority) Bhakkar during 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 to provide a practicable package of resource conservation technology to sugarcane growers under arid envirnment. Three experiments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement, replicated 4 times. The net plot size was 24m 2 . Approved sugarcane variety HSF 240 was used in all experiments. In first experiment four NPK doses F 1 (0-0-0), F 2 (100-100-100), F 3 (150-150-100), F 4 (200-200-100) and F 5 (250- 200-100) kg ha -1 and four planting patterns like G 1 (60), G 2 (75) cm spaced single row planting pattern, G 3 (30/90), and G 4 (30/120) cm spaced paired row strip planting pattern were studied. In secand experiment four available soil moisture depletion levels (ASMDL) including ASMDL 1 (20%), ASMDL 2 (40%), ASMDL 3 (60%) and ASMDL 4 (80%), four planting patterns viz. G 1 (60), G 2 (75) cm spaced single row planting pattern and G 3 (30/90), G 4 (30/120) cm spaced paired row strip planting pattern were studied. In third experiment four Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) levels viz. NAA 0 (control), NAA 1 (60), NAA 2 (120) and NAA 3 (180) ml ha -1 were applied at four plant growth stages S 1 (Germination), S 2 (Tiller formation), S 3 (Cane formation) and S 4 (Cane maturity) stage. Data were recorded on various growth and yield parameters like germination %, number of shoots m -2 , shoot dry weight (SDW), Crop growth rate (CGR), Leaf area index (LAI), Leaf area duration (LAD), Net assimilation rate (NAR), number of millable canes m -2 , weight per stripped cane, cane length; cane diameter, stripped-cane yield, sugar yield (SY), benefit cost ratio (BCR), fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) and water use efficiency (WUE) in all experiments. In first trail under arid conditions on silty clay and sandy loam soils, the highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) and fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) were obtained from the combination of 200–200-100 kg NPK ha -1 and 30/90 cm spaced paired row strip planting pattern. In secand trail, maximum economic benefit was obtained by irrigating sugarcane crop at 40% ASMD level and planting it in 30/90 cm spaced paired row strips under arid conditions on silty clay and sandy loam soils. In the third trail maximum economic benefit was obtained from normal investment by applying 120 ml NAA ha -1 at tiller formation stage and maximum sugar recovery percentage was obtained by applying 180 ml of NAA ha -1 at cane maturity stage on silty clay and sandy loam soils. xix It is concluded that sugarcane growers of arid areas can get maximum return from sandy loam and silty clay soils, when sugarcane is planted in 30/90 cm spaced paired row strips with fertilizer dose of 200:200:100 kg NPK ha -1 and field is irrigated at 40% ASMD level with one foliar spray of NAA at the rate of 120 ml ha -1 is applied at tiller formation stage. Production technology evolved through this research has following implications. NAA can also be used as cane ripener and one folier spray of 180 ml NAA ha -1 at cane maturity stage gives maximum sugar recovery percentage. Better water and fertilizer use efficiency of autumn sugarcane on above mentioned soils due to enhanced light interception. Cultural operations in standing crop like irrigation, fertilization, weeding, hoeing, earthing up and foliar spray of pesticides are easily carried out as ample interstrip space is available. Minimum lodging was observed due to avilability of adequate space among the paired row strips. There is also better scope for intercroping to get additional benefits.