A Study on Yields and Nutrient Element Compositions of Sugarcane

Abstract

Yields and nutrient element compositions of Vesta sugarcane variety were studied and the crop was grown on Kamphang Saen soil series at the experimental farm of Kasetsart University, Kamphang Saen, Nakhon Pathom province during January 1993 to January 1995. Sixteen plots were utilized throughout. Each plot size was 240 square metres. Only ammonium sulfate fertilizer was applied to all plots at the rate of 100 kg N/ ha. One-third of the total fertilizer was applied 2 months after planting or harvesting (for ratoon cane), and the rest 2/3 was applied 3 months after the first application. Plant cane and ratoon cane were harvested at the age of twelve months. The results revealed that 138.13 tons/ha of fresh millable cane were obtained from plant cane, and the ratio of millable cane to trash was 7.95. However for the first ratoon , the average of fresh millable cane was reduced to 96.25 tons/ha, and the ratio of millable cane to trash was 5.88. The composition of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and B in any parameter presented were different between plant cane and first ratoon cane.