by which of the following is sugarcane sown
What are the methods by which sugarcane is sown?
Answer:
Sowing sugarcane involves specific techniques to ensure optimal growth and yield. Sugarcane is typically propagated using vegetative parts rather than seeds. Here are the primary methods by which sugarcane is sown:
1. Ratooning
Ratooning is a common method where the root stock or stubble of the harvested crop is left in the field to produce a new crop. This method relies on the ability of sugarcane to regenerate from its roots or the part of the stem that remains underground after cutting. Here are some key points about this method:
- Advantages: Reduced labor and reduced costs since planting is not needed each year.
- Disadvantages: Yields might decrease after a few ratoon crops due to pest buildup or soil exhaustion.
2. Setts (Stem Cuttings)
This is the most prevalent method used for planting sugarcane. Setts, or stem cuttings, are sections of the sugarcane stalk, usually 2-3 buds in length, planted horizontally in furrows. Here is how it’s done:
- Selection of Setts: Choose mature canes that are disease-free.
- Preparation: Canes are cut into pieces of 20-25 cm with 2-3 nodes.
- Planting: The setts are placed horizontally in furrows that are 10-15 cm deep and covered with soil.
- Spacing: Generally, rows are spaced 1 to 1.5 meters apart for adequate sunlight and space for mechanized cultivation.
3. Tissue Culture
Though not widely practiced yet, tissue culture offers a modern approach to sugarcane propagation, ensuring disease-free and genetically uniform plants. Here’s a brief on the tissue culture method:
- Advantages: Produces uniform and disease-resistant plants.
- Procedure: Involves in vitro cultivation of plant tissues to produce new plants.
- Commercial Viability: Mostly used for developing high-yield, disease-resistant varieties for large-scale cultivation.
4. Single Bud Planting
This method involves planting sugarcane buds rather than whole setts:
- Selection: Single buds are carefully separated using a bud chipper or knife.
- Planting Method: These buds are planted in nursery beds initially and later transplanted to the fields.
- Advantages: Economical use of seed material and potential for mechanization.
Factors Influencing Selection of Method
1. Soil Type and Condition
- Health of Soil: Nutrient-rich, well-draining soils are crucial.
- Soil Preparation: Includes plowing and leveling.
2. Climate and Weather Conditions
- Sugarcane prefers tropical climates, with optimum growth temperatures ranging between 20°C to 40°C. Timely watering and sunshine play crucial roles in the growth cycle.
3. Availability of Resources
- Labor and Mechanization: Depending on whether the region is labor-intensive or relies on mechanization, the chosen method might vary.
- Water Supply: Sugarcane requires ample water, hence irrigation facilities influence planting choices.
4. Objective of Cultivation
- Commercial or Subsistence: Large scale plantations might prefer mechanized methods, while small farms might rely on traditional approaches.
- Innovative Techniques Usage: For research and development, tissue culture and other advanced propagation methods may be preferred.
Conclusion
Choosing the right method for sowing sugarcane involves understanding the local conditions, resource availability, and market objectives. Utilizing the right technique can lead to optimal yield and more sustainable farming practices. Understanding these propagation methods helps in better planning and adapting to technological advancements in sugarcane cultivation. Whether one opts for traditional setts planting or more advanced methods like tissue culture, the primary goal remains to increase output while maintaining soil health and resource efficiency.