Productivity and profitability of sugarcane (Saccharum spp complex hybrid) in relation to organic nutrition under different cropping systems

A field experiment was conducted at Lucknow during 2003–2006 in autumn and spring-planted sugarcane (Saccharum spp. complex hybrid) grown in different cropping systems to assess the effect of organic nutrition on productivity, profitability and on soil health. Five organic nutrition modules were compared with the control (no manure or fertilizer). The highest number of millable canes (82.7 and 95.2 thousands/ha) and cane length (220.8 and 182.5 cm) were recorded with sulphitation pressmud (SPM) 10 t/ha + farmyard manure (FYM) 10 t/ha in autumn and spring planted crops respectively. SPM 10 t/ha + FYM 10 t/ha caused the highest uptake of N, P and K and produced the highest cane yield of 79.4 t/ha in autumn - and 68.8 t/ha in spring-planted sugarcane. The highest net profit (Rs 52,480) and benefit: cost (B: C) ratio (1.5) were recorded in autumn planted cane with FYM 20 t/ha + Trichoderma viride + lentil [Lens culinaris (L.) medic.] intercrop (1:2). In spring planted cane, the highest net profit (Rs 45,101) and B: C ratio (1.3) was recorded with FYM 20 t/ha + Trichoderma viride + mungbean [Vigna radiate (L.) hepper] intercrop (1:2). Significant improvement was observed over initial organic C (up to 70.7%), bulk density (up to 8.4%), water-infiltration rate (up to 46.7%) and total N (up to 61.5%) at crop harvest under various treatments. The finding revealed profitable sugarcane cultivation under organic nutrient management with positive effect on soil health.