Efficacy of Spacing Arrangement and Modern Planting Methods on Growth, Juice Quality and Productivity of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

Sugarcane is the most important agro-industrial crop next to cotton. Uttar Pradesh is the highest producing state in the subtropical zone having an area of about 28.53 Lakh ha with a productivity of 83.95 t/ha. Sugar production generates several by-products, such as molasses, bagasse, and press mud, which can be used for the production of other products such as ethanol, paper, and bio-fertilizers. Modern planting methods and strategic spacing arrangements have revolutionized sugarcane cultivation. These advancements lead to enhanced growth, improved juice quality, and increased productivity. While careful resource management and initial investments are necessary, the long-term benefits make adopting these practices a sound choice for sugarcane growers aiming for sustainable, high-quality, and profitable cultivation. Proper spacing arrangements influence light interception and air flow, which can impact the accumulation of sugars in the cane. Adequate spacing can lead to better juice quality with optimal sugar content. It ensures uniform growth, resulting in consistent nutrient uptake and better quality cane. Well- established canopies enhance photosynthesis, contributing to improve juice quality. A field experiment for consecutive of three years i.e. 2019–21, 2020–22, and 2021–23 was conducted at the research farm of Genda Singh Sugarcane Breeding and Research Institute, Seorahi Kushinagar in the autumn season to find out suitable row spacing to facilitate mechanization and increase sugar yield, and profitability. The soil of the experimental plot was medium in organic carbon, medium in available phosphorus, and low in potash with pH of 8.10. The experiment consisted of six treatments i.e. T1- Deep furrow planting at 75 cm row spacing, T2-Deep furrow planting at 75:125 cm row spacing, T3- Deep furrow planting at 75:135 cm row spacing, T4-Deep furrow planting at 67:134 cm row spacing, T5-Trench planting in paired row at 150 (30:120) cm and T6-Conventional planting at 90 cm row spacing was laid out in randomized block design with four replications. On the basis of pooled data of three years, significantly lower germination percent was noted in conventional planting at 90 cm spacing (49.41 percent) than other panting methods except deep furrowing planting at 75 cm row spacing. Trench planting in paired row at 150 (30:120) cm produced significantly higher cane yield (112.94 t/ha) and number of millable cane (125.54 thousand per hectare) over other treatments. The Number of shoots was significantly higher in deep furrow planting at 75 cm row spacing (171.42 thousand per hectare) than the remaining treatments. Deep furrow planting at 75:135 cm row spacing has a significantly higher single cane weight (1.12 kg) and cane length (277.08 cm) than the remaining treatments except paired row planting treatments. Shoot mortality percent was significantly lower in deep furrow planting at 75:125, 75:135, 67:135, and 30:120 cm spacing compare with conventional planting at 90 cm (36.19 percent). Cane thickness, Juice extraction percent, and CCS percent were not affected significantly by different treatments.