Planting Methods of Sugarcane

Dry planting in ridges and furrows

Ridges and furrows are made at 90 cm distance using a tractor drawn-ridger. Sugarcane setts are planted manually. Setts are covered with spade followed by light irrigation in furrows. Subsequent irrigations are given as and when required. Spray Atrazine @ 2 kg/acre in 350-400 litre water after 2-3 days of planting. This method is better than the conventional flat system in terms of germination%, water use efficiency, aeration, interculture operations and yield.

Paired row planting in trenches

Trenches are opened using a tractor mounted trench-opener at 150 cm distance l Sugarcane is planted in paired-rows at 30:30- 90-30:30 cm spacing l Interspaces between trenches can be used for taking intercrops  Trench planting gives higher yield and return than ridges and furrow system

Ring pit method

About 2,700 circular pits of 60 cm diameter are dug to a depth of 30 cm with a tractor mounted digger; 60 cm gap is provided between adjacent pits on all sides. l Before planting, pits are filled with loose soil and FYM to a depth of 15 cm; 22 two-budded setts are placed per pit and covered with soil to a height of 1-1½”. It is possible to take 2-3 ratoons; 25-50% higher yield is obtained than ridges and furrow method; water use efficiency can be improved by installing drip irrigation.