Effect of sulphur on productivity and quality of sugarcane plant and ratoon crops grown in sugarcane (plant)-ratoon-wheat (Triticum aestivum) system on IGP alluvial soils

A field experiment was conducted during the spring seasons of 1998 to 2001 on sugarcane (plant)-ratoon-wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) cropping system. Five levels of sulphur (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg S/ha) were applied to sugarcane plant crop grown in randomized block design with 4 replications. Increasing level of sulphur increased the number of millable canes significantly. Higher cane growth (length, diameter and weight) was also obtained with increasing level of sulphur. Maximum sugarcane yield (77.68 tonnes/ha) was harvested with application of 80 kg S/ha. The differences between 80 and 60 kg S/ha and 60 and 40 kg S/ha were, however, not significant, indicating 60 kg S/ha as optimum level. Sulphur applied in sugarcane plant crop improved the yield of ratoon as well. An increase of 20.89% in ratoon yield was observed from 0 to 80 kg S/ha applied to plant crop.