Ratoon System Research Articles

Integrated Nutrient Management Approaches for Enhancing Production Potential and Sustainability of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) Plant–Ratoon System in North Region of India

A field experiment was conducted to develop nutrient management strategies for sustaining soil health and sugarcane production in spring planted crop (2014–2015) and its ratoon (2015–2016) at the research farm of Sugarcane Research Institute, Shahjahanpur, UP, India. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications, implying sugarcane variety CoS 08279. The results revealed that out of the nine treatments, addition of 10 t/ha FYM/compost along with inorganic fertilizers on the basis of soil test + biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB) @ 12.5 kg/ha each had a positive effect on sugarcane growth and yield in both plant (113.10 t/ha) and ratoon crops (98.84 t/ha) as compared to other treatments. Response of biofertilizers was observed to be more pronounced. No significant results were observed in C.C.S. percent in cane. Maximum benefit–cost ratio (2.66 in plant and 1.96 in ratoon cane) was also obtained under the aforesaid treatments.

Morfofisiologi Ratun Padi Sistem Tanam Benih Langsung di Lahan Pasang Surut

<p>ABSTRACT<br /><br />The morphophysiology of ratoon is different from the main plant of rice and was influenced by location and cultivation.This research was intended to evaluate morphophysiology characters of rice ratoon planted by direct seeding system in tidal swamp at various stubble cutting height. The experiment was conducted in November 2013-April 2014 at tidal swamp overflow type B in Telang Sari Village, District of Tanjung Lago, Banyuasin, South Sumatra Province. The experiment used randomized block design with 5 replications. Treatment was stubble cutting height 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 cm above the soil surface. Rice was planted at 4 m x 5 m plot, the distance between plot 1 m. Data were analyzed by test of variance and 5% HSD test. Morphophysiological characters of rice ratoon were influenced by stubble cutting height. Cutting height of 20-40 cm above soil surface increased the ratoon number of tillers per hill, leaf area per hill, dry weight per hill, percentage of empty grains per panicle, grain weight per hill and percentage ratoon/main crop production per hill. The higher stubble cutting, the lower the number of leaves per tiller, leaf area per tiller, carbohydrate content, and number of grains per panicle of ratoon, however it accelerated age of flowering and harvesting. <br /><br />Keywords: direct seeding system, ratoon system, rice growth and production, stubble cutting height<br /><br /></p>

Effect of Integrated use of Bio-Compost and Nitrogen on Productivity and Soil Properties of Sugarcane Plant–Ratoon System in Calcareous Soil

A field experiment was conducted for three consecutive seasons on sugarcane plant–ratoon system during years 2008–2014 at crop research farm, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar to evaluate the integrated effect of bio-compost and nitrogen on productivity and soil properties in calcareous soil. The distribution of different fractions of soil nitrogen viz. exchangeable NH4 +–N, hydrolysable NH4 +–N, hexoseamine-N, amino acid-N, unidentified-N and status of total-N were determined. The significant increase in number of millable cane (NMC) and cane yield was recorded in the treatments receiving bio-compost in combination with fertilizer-N over control both in plant and ratoon crops. The highest number of NMC (90.7 × 103/ha), cane yield (74.14 t/ha) and sugar yield (7.72 t/ha) of plant was recorded in treatments receiving 50% N through bio-compost +50% N through inorganic fertilizer. The residual effect of treatment receiving 50% N through bio-compost and 50% N through inorganic fertilizer was also pronounced on NMC (83.90 × 103/ha), yield (69.70 t/ha) and sugar yield (7.42 t/ha). Further, application of 100, 125 and 150% N through bio-compost resulted in gradual decrease in yield of plant, but on the contrary, it increased by 6–7% in ratoon crop as compared to plant cane. The uptake of nutrients varied significantly. The highest sugar yield (plant and ratoon) was recorded in treatment receiving 50% N through bio-compost +50% N through inorganic fertilizer. Addition of bio-compost either alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizer-N significantly improved organic carbon and availability of nutrients (N, P, K and S) with reduction in bulk density of post-harvest soil over control. The highest organic carbon (6.2 g/kg) and N (281.6 kg/ha), P2O5 (26.3 kg/ha), K2O (129.5 kg/ha) and S (33.6 kg/ha) was recorded in treatment receiving 150% N through bio-compost. The bulk density varied from 1.33 to 1.42 g/cm3. The EC increased while pH decreased with increasing levels of bio-compost. The significant improvement in microbial population was also recorded in bio-compost treated plots. After third crop cycle of sugarcane cropping system, application of bio-compost either alone or in combination with fertilizer significantly increased all the forms of N-fraction over control. Among the various N-fractions, non-hydrolysable-N was the dominant N-fraction.

Belowground impacts of perennial grass cultivation for sustainable biofuel feedstock production in the tropics

AbstractPerennial grasses can sequester soil organic carbon (SOC) in sustainably managed biofuel systems, directly mitigating atmospheric CO2 concentrations while simultaneously generating biomass for renewable energy. The objective of this study was to quantify SOC accumulation and identify the primary drivers of belowground C dynamics in a zero‐tillage production system of tropical perennial C4 grasses grown for biofuel feedstock in Hawaii. Specifically, the quantity, quality, and fate of soil C inputs were determined for eight grass accessions – four varieties each of napier grass and guinea grass. Carbon fluxes (soil CO2 efflux, aboveground net primary productivity, litterfall, total belowground carbon flux, root decay constant), C pools (SOC pool and root biomass), and C quality (root chemistry, C and nitrogen concentrations, and ratios) were measured through three harvest cycles following conversion of a fallow field to cultivated perennial grasses. A wide range of SOC accumulation occurred, with both significant species and accession effects. Aboveground biomass yield was greater, and root lignin concentration was lower for napier grass than guinea grass. Structural equation modeling revealed that root lignin concentration was the most important driver of SOC pool: varieties with low root lignin concentration, which was significantly related to rapid root decomposition, accumulated the greatest amount of SOC. Roots with low lignin concentration decomposed rapidly, but the residue and associated microbial biomass/by‐products accumulated as SOC. In general, napier grass was better suited for promoting soil C sequestration in this system. Further, high‐yielding varieties with low root lignin concentration provided the greatest climate change mitigation potential in a ratoon system. Understanding the factors affecting SOC accumulation and the net greenhouse gas trade‐offs within a biofuel production system will aid in crop selection to meet multiple goals toward environmental and economic sustainability.

Agricultural adaptation to flood in lowland rice production areas of Central Vietnam: understanding the ‘regenerated rice’ ratoon system

Vietnam is reported to be one of the most vulnerable countries to future climate change, particularly in relation to sea-level rise and extreme climatic events. Agricultural adaptation and mitigation will be crucial for maintaining food and fibre production. Areas in Central Vietnam are prone to flooding, particularly in the lowland rice production areas. This article presents a case study of how small-scale rice farmers in the lowland areas of Le Thuy district, Quang Binh province, have transitioned into a ratoon system, locally referred to as ‘re-generated rice’, as a means of adapting to early flooding. While ratoon rice systems have been globally implemented, farmers in Le Thuy have adopted this system recently, based on their indigenous knowledge. The ratoon system was found to result in economic, social and environmental benefits for the surveyed households (N = 80), despite typically lower yields than the conventional system (approximately 70% of conventional). Through the sustainable livelihoods framework, findings show that the ratoon system is more economically efficient than the conventional and also allows farming households to spend more time on other income-generating, social or family activities, which is particularly important for balancing the gender division of labour. However, the new system tests the ability of the region to meet provincial level rice production targets, challenging conceptualizations of food security and livelihood security.

Soil Microbial Biomass Nitrogen, In Situ Respiration and Crop Yield Influenced by Deep Tillage, Moisture Regimes and N Nutrition in Sugarcane-Based System in Subtropical India

A field experiment during 2010–2014 was conducted at Indian institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, with three tillage practices (T1: control—two times ploughing through harrow and cultivator, each followed by planking before sugarcane planting, T2: deep tillage through disc plough (depth 25–30 cm) before planting followed by harrowing, cultivator and planking and T3: subsoiling at 45–50 cm, and deep tillage through disc plough/mouldboard plough (depth 25–30 cm) followed by harrowing, cultivator and planking before planting), two soil moisture regimes (M1: 0.5 IW/CPE ratio and M2: 0.75 IW/CPE ratio) at 7.5 cm depth of irrigation water, and four N levels (N1-0; N2-75; N3-150; N4-225 kg N/ha) in sugarcane crop. The higher mean SMBN (16.61 mg NH4–N/m2/day) during sugarcane ratoon crop was analysed as compared to plant crop (12.97 mg NH4–N/m2/day). Suboptimal moisture regime (0.5 IW/CPE) in plant crop reduced SMBN at all the stages of growth as compared to optimum moisture regime (0.75 IW/CPE). Mean SMBN at 0.5 IW/CPE was observed as 16.22 mg NH4–N/m2/day vis-a-vis 17.00 mg NH4–N/m2/day at 0.75 IW/CPE. The increasing levels of N up to 225 kg/ha increased SMBN at all the stages in both the soil depths, i.e. 0–15 and 15–30 cm (17.60 mg NH4–N/m2/day at 225 kg N/ha over 15.56 mg NH4–N/m2/day at N0). Deep tillage and subsoiling (T3) at 0.75 IW/CPE ratio and 225 kg N/ha showed the highest mean soil respiration (158 mg CO2–C/m2/day). In sugarcane plant crop, at the highest N application (225 kg N/ha), M1 (0.50 IW/CPE) showed the lowest available N, i.e. 160 kg N/ha vis-a-vis 186.00 kg/ha at 0.75 IW/CPE (M2) with conventional tillage (T1). Deep tillage increased production of millable canes which could be increased to 100,830/ha in sugarcane plant crop and 106,710/ha in ratoon crop. Mean sugarcane and sugar yields in plant crop was 68.97 and 8.28 t/ha vis-a-vis 83.67 and 10.03 t/ha in ratoon crop, respectively. Sugarcane plant crop showed 21.52 % increase in cane weight (774.75 g) due to adoption of deep tillage and subsoiling. Thus, it could be concluded that subsoiling at 45–50 cm depth followed by deep tillage at 20–25 cm depth once before planting of sugarcane with scheduling of irrigation at 0.75 IW/CPE soil moisture regime and 150 kg N/ha sustained soil microbial biomass N and in situ soil respiration besides increasing sugarcane and sugar yields in plant–ratoon system.

Sugarcane Productivity and Fertility in Plant Ratoon System under Treated Distillery Effluent and Inorganic Fertilizers Management

Sugarcane Productivity and Fertility in Plant Ratoon System under Treated Distillery Effluent and Inorganic Fertilizers Management

Productivity, quality and soil fertility of sugarcane (Saccharum spp complex hybrid) plant and ratoon grown under organic and conventional farming system

It may be concluded that the application of 75% NPK through inorganics + 25% N through organic manures (PMC) + biofertilizers (Azotobactor + PSB) + biopesticide (neem cake) in sugarcane plant and 75% NPK through inorganics + 25% N through organic manures (PMC) + biofertilizers (Azotobactor + PSB) + trash mulching and green manuring with greengram inoculated with Rhizobium in alternate rows + biopesticide (neem cake ) in ratoon were found suitable practice for sustaining sugarcane productivity, maintaining soil fertility and getting higher monetary returns in sugarcane plant and ratoon system in calcareous soil of Bihar.

Relative Significance of N Nutrition on Yield, Quality and Ethanol in Sugarcane (Saccharum species hybrid) Plant: Ratoon System

Field experiments were conducted at Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore during 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 crop seasons as plant and ratoon crop to find the effect of N nutrition on yield, quality and ethanol production from direct fermentation of juice in sugarcane. Treatments involving four nitrogen levels viz., 280, 350, 420 and 490 kg N/ha were laid out in the main plots while the subplot treatments included its split application at different days after planting (DAP) (3 splits on 45, 90, 135 DAP, 4 splits on 45, 90, 135 and 180 DAP, 5 splits on 45, 90, 135, 180 and 225 DAP, 6 splits on 45, 90, 135, 180, 225 and 270 DAP). High yields of 140.7 t/ha and 118.6 t/ha were recorded with the application of recommended dose of nitrogen (280 kg N/ha) in the plant and ratoon crop, respectively. Yields with N application at 45, 90 and 135 DAP exceeded those recorded over other splits. Juice quality and ethanol production per 100 ml of juice did not show a significant variation due to the treatments imposed. However, the variation in cane yields ultimately caused a variation in the amount of ethanol produced per hectare with respect to rates of N (8,544 and 7,566 l/ha in the plant and ratoon crop, respectively, at 280 kg N/ha) and split application (8,617 and 7,617 l/ha in the plant and ratoon crop, respectively, at 3 splits). Application of N at 280 kg/ha at 3 splits at 45, 90 and 135 DAP produced the highest ethanol yield.

Keragaan varietas dan galur padi tipe baru Indonesia dalam sistem ratun

Eighteen Indonesian new plant type (NPT) of rice varieties and lines were evaluated in a ratoon system. The results showed that ratooning ability was related to the vegetative growth prior to harvest, which gave high ability ratoon growth. New plant type varieties and several lines of rice had better vegetative growth and produced higher ratoon than other genotypes. Ratoons started to develop 2-7 days after harvest, with an average number of leaf 2-4 per tiller. Number of productive tillers of ratoon ranged from 6.0 to 30.0 per hill, with number of grain per panicle ranged from 38.0 to 228.2, and grain weight per hill of ratoon 10.4 to 31.2 g, dependent on genotypes. Maturity of ratoon was also dependent on genotypes. On average, maturity was 68 days after harvest of the main crop. Grouping of ratooning ability based on hierarchical cluster analysis resulted in three groups, namely nine genotypes had high potential, fi ve genotypes had medium potential, and four genotypes had low potential. This study indicated that ratoon is potential to increase rice planting index in Indonesia. The genotypes with high ratoon ability need to be evaluated for agronomic performance in the fi eld. Keywords: new plant type, ratooning ability, rice

Improving quality of sugarcane-growing soils by organic amendments under subtropical climatic conditions of India

A field trial was conducted on an inceptisol to assess the effect of different bio-manures on sugarcane yield, cane quality, and changes in soil physico-chemical and microbial properties in plant–ratoon system. Seven treatments, viz. control, vermicompost, farmyard manure (FYM), biogas slurry, sulphitation pressmud cake (SPMC), green manuring with intercropped Sesbania, and recommended dose of NPK (150:60:60 kg ha−1), were randomized within a block and replicated three times. Improvement in bulk density and infiltration rates was recorded after the addition of various bio-manures. The highest organic C was recorded in the vermicompost (0.54%) and pressmud (0.50%) treatments. The highest increase in soil microbial biomass C (185.5%) and soil microbial biomass N (220.2%) over its initial value was recorded with the addition of FYM. Dry matter production in plant, as well as ratoon crop, was significantly higher by bio-manure application over the control. Plant N uptake was highest in the pressmud treatment (227.7 kg ha−1), whereas P and K uptake were highest (41.4 and 226.50 kg ha−1) in vermicompost treatment. The highest number of millable canes (95.6 and 101.0 thousand ha−1) in plant and ratoon crop were obtained with the addition of pressmud. The highest yield (76.7 t ha−1) was recorded in planted cane with vermicompost application, whereas ratoon yield was highest (78.16 t ha−1) with pressmud application. In both planted and ratoon crop, organic amendments produced yields statistically similar to those with recommended NPK (76.1 and 78.1 t ha−1 for plant and ratoon cane).

Yield and soil nutrient balance of a sugarcane plant–ratoon system with conventional and organic nutrient management in sub-tropical India

A 3-year field trial of sugarcane, comprising 11 treatment combinations of different organic manures with and without Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (Gd), NPK and an absolute control, on an inceptisol was conducted to assess the effect of these treatments on sugarcane total and economic yield, the benefit:cost ratio, nutrient balance and soil quality in a sugarcane plant–ratoon system. The highest cane yield (78.6 t ha−1) was recorded in the plant crop given vermicompost + Gd, whereas ratoon yields (first and second) were highest (80.8 and 74.9 t/ha−1, respectively) with sulphitation press mud cake (SPMC) + Gd. In both plant and ratoon crops, a number of different organic manures produced the highest cane yield that was also statistically similar to those obtained with using the recommended NPK levels (76.1, 78.2 and 71.7 t/ha for plant crop and subsequent two ratoons, respectively). The highest benefit:cost (B:C) ratio in the plant and two ratoon crops (1.28, 2.36, 2.03 respectively) were obtained with the addition of SPMC + Gd. The nutrient balance for NPK in the soil was highest in the SPMC + Gd treatment. The highest increase in organic C (94%) and total N (87%), in comparison to the initial level, and soil microbial biomass C (113%) and soil microbial biomass N (229%), in comparison to the control treatment, was recorded with the addition of SPMC + Gd. The maximum decrease in soil bulk density (BD) (12%) with an increase in soil aggregate (17%) and water infiltration rate (35%) was obtained with the addition of SPMC. Overall, the sugarcane crop responded well to different organic manures in a multiple ratooning system with a better economic output and improved soil quality. Strategic planning in terms of an integrated application of these manures with inorganic chemicals will not only sustain our soils but will also be beneficial for our farmers in terms of reducing their dependence and expenditure on chemical fertilizers.

Yield and soil organic carbon pool in relation to soil fertility of sugarcane (Saccharum species hybrid complex) plant-ratoon system under integrated nutrient management

A field experiment was conducted for consecutive 6 years ( from 200809 to 201314) at Pusa, Bihar, to evalu- ate the integrated effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on soil organic carbon pool, nutrient status and produc- tivity of sugarcane (BO 137) plantratoon system in Typic Ustochrept. The application of organics, viz. farmyard manure (FYM), bio-compost and bio-methanated distillery effluent (BMDE), along with inorganic fertilizer (100% NPK) in canes plant and its residual effect in ratoon significantly increased number of millable cane, cane yield and sugar yield over the control. The highest increment in yield in plant (24.95%) and ratoon (16.05%) was ob- served in plots treated with BMDE @ 150 m3/ha. The mean uptake of nutrients (N, P, K and S) and sugar yield varied and followed the similar trends as cane yield. The soil organic carbon pool, viz. carbon storage (180.9 235.2 kg/m2), water-soluble carbon (52.882.4 mg/g), CO evolution (48.570.1 mg/100 g soil) and soil microbial 2 biomass carbon (88.7121 mg/g) varied significantly due to different treatments. The highest amount of soil or- ganic pools were recorded in treatments receiving BMDE (150 m3/ha) followed by bio-compost (20 t/ha) and the lowest being in the control. Integrated use of organics with inorganic fertilizers facilitated the accumulation of or- ganic carbon which in turn had significant increment effect on the soil carbon pool and fertility status (N, P, K and S) of soil with reduction in bulk density beneficial for sustaining productivity of sugarcane plant - ratoon system. Thus, it is imperative that application of either 100% NPK recommended dose of fertilizer along with bio-compost 20 t/ha or 100% NP along with bio-methanated distillery effluent 150 m3/ha (supplying 100% K) improved the fertil- ity of soil which were reflected in increased productivity of sugarcane plant-ratoon system.

Effect of intercropping in sugarcane (Saccharurn complex hybrid) on productivity of plant cane - ratoon system

A field experiment was conducted at Lucknow during 2002-03 and 2003-04 to assess the production potential and economic viability of autumn-planted sugarcanefibased intercropping systems, viz. sugarcane sole and sug- arcane intercropped with lentil (Lens esculentus), rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), Indian mustard (Brassica compestris), rapeseed (Brassica sp.) and maize (Zea mays L.) for cobs at 2 row spacings of 90 and 75 cm. The intercropping with rajmash had no adverse effect on the number of millable canes (1 17.6 thousandlha), cane length (21 3 cm) and cane yield (83.4 t/ha) compared with sole cane. Intercropping of rajmash and maize for green cobs resulted in highest net profit (Rs 89,883 and 83,815lha) and benefit : cost ratio (B : C) (2.53 and 2.34) com- pared with sole sugarcane (Rs 50,199 /ha). Ratoon sugarcane intercropped with lentil gave higher cane yield (64.2 t/ha) than that from sugarcane sole. Besides, there was improvement in the physico-chemical properties of the soil under sugarcane + lentil intercropping system with lower bulk density (1.26 g/cm3) and higher infiltration rate (4.75 mmlhr) compared with sole sugarcane. Inclusion of short-duration intercrops like rajmash, and maize for green cobs in autumn-planted sugarcane improved the productivity and profitability, and lentil intercropping im- proved the soil health under plantfiratoon system.

Yield and soil nutrient balance of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) plant ratoon system under integrated nutrient management

A field experiment was conducted during 2002 to 06 to find out suitable integrated nutrient management prac- tice for sustenance of soil health and productivity in sugarcane ( Saccharum officinarum L.) plantratoon cropping system for two cropping cycles. Integrated nutrient management strategies involving combinations of inorganics (NPK) + organic nutrient sources (FYM, pressmud, vermicompost, green manuring and trash incorporation) were tested against inorganic fertilizer (NPK) alone laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Results revealed that supply of nutrients to sugarcane plant through combined use of 120-60-40 kg N-P-K/ha + FYM (25% N) + Azotobacter + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) 2.5 kg/ha each and integrated use of 150-60-40 kg N-P- K/ha + trash 5 tonnes/ha incorporation with cellulolytic culture 1 kg/tonne of trash + Azotobacter + PSB in ratoon gave the highest cane yield of 99.8 and 92.1 tonnes/ha under plant and ratoon cane, respectively. The treatment also showed significant improvement in soil health at the end of crop cycle by 47.9% substantial increase in soil organic carbon (0.88 to 1.05%), 165.2% increase in soil microbial biomass-C (213 to 297 mg C-CO /kg soil) and 2 128.6% enhancement in soil microbial biomassN (3.7 to 4.8 mg N-NH /kg soil) over initial value (0.71%, 112 mg 4 C-CO /kg soil, and 2.1 mg N-NH /kg soil). Besides integrated nutrient management modules resulted in significant 2 4 increase in the contribution of soil microbial-C to soil organic C varying from 2.38 to 3.03% against 1.58% of initial value. Soil physical properties were also enhanced as bulk density reduced from 1.57 to 1.42 Mg/m3, water stable aggregates swelled from 0.345 mm to 0.482 mm diameter under integrated nutrient management modules at ra- toon harvest. This practice was proved to be the most profitable (B: C ratio 1.94 and 2.90) for sugarcane plant and ratoon crop, respectively. Availability status of major nutrients (NPK) in soil after harvest of ratoon crop recorded a positive balance due to application of various treatments over the initial status.