How improving soil health results in better sugarcane crop

In India, most of the farmers have small land holdings and hence the culturable land is subject to intensive cultivation for growing food crops for self-reliance or growing commercial cash crops to meet their financial requirements. Intensive cropping practices and over exploitation of soils coupled with lack of knowledge on application of balanced fertilizers to replenish the soil nutrients consumed by the crops grown has resulted in depletion of organic carbon as well as different essential macro & micro elements.  

Sustaining soil health is very important to obtain a good and quality sugarcane crop. So in this blog, we will be talking about a couple of methods that can be used and should be used to improve soil health.

Soil test

It starts with collecting soil samples from the field which is later sent to the certified soil laboratory/ies for analysis.

Assess nutrients

Based on the availability of nutrients and nutrient requirements in the above samples, the Laboratory works out recommendations for different crops that the farmer plans to grow in his piece of land. Even the sugar plants need to pay special attention to it to ensure quality sugar production.

Nutrient enrichment

The farmer needs to apply the recommended manures & fertilizers as per the crop requirement. While some fertilizers need to be applied basal, others are to be top dressed in split doses. The government as well as some private sugar manufacturers distribute fertilizers/nutrients at a subsidised cost.

Soil Health Programme

Next in the line are soil health programmes that some authorities run from time to time. These could vary from awareness programmes to workshops, where extension tools like wall paintings and pamphlets are distributed among the sugarcane producers. Such programmes aim at updating with the appropriate usage of soil nutrients.

Conclusion

Realising the importance of soil health, the progressive sugar companies in India are facilitating farmers in getting soil samples from their agricultural lands analysed for nutrient availability. Application of balanced nutrients based on the above results helps in optimising fertilizer usage and sustain soil fertility. This along with integrated pest & disease management measures will help optimise crop yields and harvest healthy and quality produce.