Changes in leaf macronutrient concentration under different micronutrient fertilization practices in sugarcane

Field experiments were conducted at three locations with the objectives to evaluate new micronutrient fertilizer mixture formulations aiming at balanced fertilization of sugarcane. The experiments were conducted in Tamil Nadu sugarcane growing tract at different locations at Cuddalore, Sirugamani and Melalathur during 2012–13 in randomized block design with eight treatments replicated thrice. The treatments included the application of N, P and K alone (check) (T₁), 190 kg mineral nutrient (MN) mixture as straight chemical fertilizer as per crop production guide blanket recommendation (T₂), 120 kg MN mixture formulation-I as enriched vermicompost (EVC) (T₃) as well as enriched farm yard manure (EFYM) (T₄), 92.5 kg MN mixture formulation-II as EFYM (T₅) as well as EVC (T₆) and as straight chemical fertilizer (T₇) and MN mixture of the State Department of Agriculture at 25 kg/ha as straight chemical fertilizer (T₈). The application of 120 kg micronutrient mixture formulation-I as enriched vermicompost as well as enriched farm yard manure and the application of 92.5 kg micronutrient mixture formulation-II as enriched farm yard manure being on par recorded steady decline in the N, P and K content of the leaves from tillering to harvest and markedly higher cane yield over control.