Iron, Manganese and Sulphur Uptake and Nutrients Availability in Sugarcane Based System in Subtropical India

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2007–2009 at Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow to assess the effect of iron, manganese and sulphur nutrition on growth, yield, quality, nutrient uptake and soil health in sugarcane based system. Eight treatments comprising combinations of iron, manganese and sulphur in different propositions were applied in sugarcane plant as well as ratoon crop subsequently. Among the various treatments, the highest sugar yield (9.25 ton/ha) was obtained with three foliar sprays of 1 % MnSO4 in sugarcane plant crop. However, sugarcane ratoon crop showed the highest sugar yield (10.73 ton/ha) with three foliar sprays of 1 % FeSO4 during tillering phase. Mean iron removal from sugarcane ratoon crop was higher (7.69 kg/ha) than plant crop (4.75 kg/ha). Sugarcane plant crop removed 1.25 kg/ha Mn as compared to 2.596 kg/ha removal by ratoon crop. However, the highest removal (3.67 kg/ha) of Mn from ratoon cane was observed under foliar application of 1 % MnSO4. It was observed that application of Fe, Mn or S increased the soil fertility status after completion of plant–ratoon crop cycle as compared to control (NPK alone). Thus, it was concluded that, sugarcane and sugar yield could be increased with three foliar applications of 1 % FeSO4/1 % MnSO4 during peak tillering phase (May) or through 60 kg S/ha (basal application).