Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in sandy clay loam soils of Palaviduthi series of Theni district, Tamil Nadu, India to study the response of sugarcane with respect to N, P, K, Zn and Fe fertilizers. The nutrient status of the experimental soil at the beginning of experiment showed deficiency of N, P, K, Zn and Fe. Sorption study also confirmed that the release of P, K, Zn and Fe was very low when these elements were added to the soil. Similarly sorghum responded well in respect of dry matter yield with respect to N, P, K, Zn and Fe in a greenhouse study. In the field experiment, these elements showed significant effect on germination percentage of sugarcane compared with control. The quality parameters of sugarcane namely brix, pol, purity and CCS were recorded highest in the treatment combination of N2 P2 K2 Zn and Fe each @ 310, 160, 250, 31 and 72 kg ha-1 respectively. The results revealed that the optimum dose of N @ 310 kg ha-1 in the treatment combination of N2 P2 K2 Zn and Fe has improved the quality of sugarcane. The number of tillers, millable cane and yield of cane (138. 21 t ha-1) and sugar (18.52 t ha-1) increased with the application of N3 P2 K2 Zn and Fe each @ 387.5, 160, 250, 31 and 72 kg ha-1 respectively.

Keywords: Sugarcane, Sorption characteristics, Palaviduthi soil series, Birx.