AbstractThe impact of deficit irrigation (DI) on sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) growth, yield and quality was investigated in field experiments during 2015–2017. The treatments included applying water deficit at three levels (0%, 30% and 60%) during three growth stages (development, mid‐season and end) in order to investigate the impact of a specific water deficit during each growth stage separately. The experiment included 27 treatments replicated twice in a randomized block design. Irrigation scheduling was based on the field soil water balance in the root zone and the water deficit that needed to be provided in the respective treatments. The study found that as the water deficit increased, the growth, yield characteristics and sugarcane yield decreased. Deficit‐free irrigation throughout the season registered maximum cane yield (174 t ha−1). Water deficits of 30% and 60% throughout the season reduced sugarcane yield by 14% and 40.7%, respectively, compared with the condition without water deficit. Based on the statistical comparison of yields, the mid‐season stage was identified as the most sensitive stage, followed by the development and end stages according to DI criteria. A water deficit applied at the end of the season had only a minor impact on yield. Without significant yield loss, an irrigation strategy for deficit conditions of 0% water deficit in the development stage, 30% in mid‐season and 60% at the end stage was found to be sufficient. Sugarcane quality parameters did not change substantially when there was a water deficit.