Uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by some promising mid late maturing sugarcane clones

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the ECC farm of Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore during 1999–2000 to evaluate promising mid late maturing sugarcane clones for nutrient use efficiency. Twelve clones including three standards were planted in a clay soil (Typic Haplustert). Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents were estimated in dry leaves, green tops and stem on dry weight basis and their uptake in different parts was calculated. Total nutrient uptake and uptake per tonne of cane were also computed. Significant clonal variations in N, P and K uptake by various plant parts viz., dry leaves, green tops and stem, total uptake in above ground parts and uptake per tonne of cane (physiological use efficiency). Total N uptake ranged from 88.55 kg/ha in CoTl 93116 to 148.52 kg/ha in Co 7219. The lowest uptake of 0.88 kg N per tonne of cane was recorded in Co 86032 and the highest uptake of 1.47 kg/tonne of cane was registered in Co 93018. Clones identified for better N use efficiency were Co 94011, Co 94015 and CoTl 93116. Total P uptake by above ground parts ranged from 34.95 kg/ha in CoTl 93116 to 57.97 kg/ha in Co 7219. The uptake of phosphorus per tonne of cane ranged from 0.34 kg in Co 94012 to 0.56 in Co 93018 with a mean of 0.48 kg. Clones Co 94012, Co 94016, Co 94015, Co 94009 and CoTl 93116 were identified for better P use efficiency. The total K uptake in above ground parts varied from 108.55 kg/ha (CoTl 93116) to 305.98 kg/ha (Co 7219) with a mean of 210.25 kg/ha. The K uptake per tonne of cane ranged from 1.44 kg in CoTl 93116 to 2.91 kg in Co 7219 with a mean of 2.09 kg. Clones identified for better potassium use efficiency were CoTl 93116, Co 93018 and Co 94012. Co 86032 was found superior among the standards in nutrient use efficiency.