Correct Fertilization Methods for Sugarcane

Correct Fertilization Methods for Sugarcane

Sugarcane has a long growth cycle and high yield, making it one of the crops that require a large amount of fertilizer. To grow sugarcane well, it is essential to master the correct fertilization methods. So, how should we fertilize sugarcane? Let's find out together.

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Correct Fertilization Methods for Sugarcane

  1. Apply sufficient basal fertilizer: Applying sufficient basal fertilizer can promote rapid germination of sugarcane, rapid extension of roots, and early tillering. Generally, basal fertilizer mainly consists of farmyard manure, combined with bio-bacterial fertilizer, and compound fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. About 2000 kilograms of high-quality organic manure per acre, about 80 kilograms of beneficial microbial organic fertilizer, and about 30-50 kilograms of high-nitrogen and high-potassium controlled-release fertilizer per acre should be applied together and mixed into the soil after plowing.

  2. Fertilization during the seedling stage: Although sugarcane requires urgent fertilization during the seedling stage, its nutrient uptake is low, so excessive fertilization should be avoided. Fertilizer application can begin when the seedlings have 3-4 leaves. Apply 3-4 kilograms of urea, 10 kilograms of phosphate fertilizer, and 50-100 kilograms of wood ash per acre.

  3. Fertilization during the tillering stage: The tillering stage of sugarcane requires a large amount of nutrients as it is a period of extensive root growth, leaf elongation, and tillering. Generally, high-nitrogen and high-potassium compound fertilizers are applied at a rate of 8-15 kilograms per acre, similar to seedling fertilizer, applied to water furrows, and soil should be mounded up by 10-12 centimeters.

  4. Fertilization during the elongation stage: Sugarcane requires a large amount of fertilizer during the elongation stage, accounting for more than 50% of the entire growth period, so fertilization should be emphasized. High-nitrogen compound fertilizers should be applied during this period to promote stem elongation and thickening, generally around 10-15 kilograms per acre. If there is insufficient phosphorus and potassium in the previous stage, supplementary fertilization can be done during this period.

  5. Fertilization during the ripening stage: Generally, no fertilization is needed during the ripening stage of sugarcane because the growth rate slows down, and the nutrient requirements gradually decrease. It is recommended to stop fertilization two months before sugarcane harvest in order to avoid waste of fertilizer and to control ripening.

  6. Supplementary fertilizer for strengthening roots: Since sugarcane has a long growth period, to ensure that it does not decline prematurely and to provide nutrients for the next year's bud sprouting, it is advisable to apply supplementary fertilizer for strengthening roots in late August. Apply 5-10 kilograms of high-calcium and high-potassium water-soluble fertilizer per acre around two months before sugarcane enters the vigorous root growth period.

In conclusion, for sugarcane to grow quickly, robustly, and yield high, proper fertilization is closely related. However, the nutrient requirements of sugarcane vary during different growth stages. Therefore, it is best to fertilize according to the soil, time, and growth conditions to maximize the effects of fertilization on increasing yield.

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