Effect of irrigation schedule and trash mulch on growth, yield and economics of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) ratoon

An experiment was conducted during 1998–99 and 1999–2000 at Agricultural Research Station, Rajasthan Agriculture University, Sriganganagar, to study the effect of irrigation schedule and trash mulch on ‘Co 66–17’ sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) ratoon. The cane yields of 498.6 and 499.8 q/ha recorded, respectively, at IW: CPE of 0.9 (18 irrigations) and 1.2 (23 irrigations) were at par and significantly superior to that of 0.6 ratio and irrigations applied at 21-day interval. Trash mulching at 6 tonnes/ha resulted in significantly higher cane yield (566.5 q/ha) over mulching at 3 tonnes/ha (493.8 q/ha) and no mulch control (410.8 q/ha). Irrigation scheduled at 0.9 IW:CPE along with trash mulching at 6 tonnes/ha recorded the highest cane yield (574.0 q/ha) as well as 23% saving in irrigation water. The water-use efficiency and net return per unit quantity of water applied decreased markedly with an increase of irrigation regime from IW: CPE of 0.6 to 1.2. Benefit: cost ratio, net returns, and water-use efficiency increased substantially with trash mulching.