Sustainable soil and crop productivity of sugarcane multiratooning system with integrated nutrient management under Inceptisols of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted consecutively for six years in the same field (2012−13 to 2018−19) at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle to study the effect of sugarcane multiratooning on soil and crop productivity of sugarcane with different nutrient management practices. Results revealed that, irrespective of year of ratooning plots which received There was a substantial increase in the available nitrogen status upto 4th ratoon and later the availability was found to be decreased. Similarly, decrease in availability of potassium was observed due to continuous ratooning of the crop from its initial ratooning stage. Regarding available phosphorus, no particular trend was noticed among different treatments, however significant buildup of available phosphorus from its initial value was observed in all the treatments with increasing ratooning. Significant improvement in available zinc was observed upto 3rd ratoon. Around 16% reduction in available Fe from its initial status was observed in post harvest soils of 6th ratoon crop compared to its initial status. Integrated use of inorganic and organic nutrients recorded at par yields with 100% recommended dose of chemical fertilizers. I 50% fertilizer nitrogen + 25% N though vermicompost + 25% N green manure incorporation recorded significantly higher organic carbon (OC) status (0.80%) with less bulk density and highest water holding capacity and percent pore space. nclusion of different organic sources in sugarcane monocropping not only enhanced the soil physical properties and soil organic carbon (SOC) but also adequately met the nitrogen requirement leading to on par yield as with recommended fertilizers.