Sugarcane Fertilization Timing and Methods Explained in One Article

SummaryBefore planting: apply 1500-2000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer per mu, mixed with 20-30 kg of compound fertilizer, applied in holes. Seedling stage: when the sugarcane seedlings grow 3-4 leaves, apply 8-10 kg of compound fertilizer per mu, diluted with water and applied in holes. After seedling tillering: apply 15-20 kg of high-nitrogen compound fertilizer per mu, diluted with water and applied in holes or applied with soil mounding. Mid-to-late growth stage: during the growing period, apply 15-20 kg of high-nitrogen compound fertilizer per mu, and in the late stage apply 5-8 kg of compound fertilizer.

I. Sugarcane Fertilization Methods

1. Apply sufficient base fertilizer

(1) Before planting, sufficient base fertilizer can be applied, mainly organic fertilizer supplemented with a small amount of chemical fertilizer, so as to meet the growth needs of sugarcane buds. About 1500-2000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer can be applied per mu, together with about 20-30 kg of compound fertilizer.

(2) When planting sugarcane in spring, holes can be dug and the fertilizer applied into the holes, then an appropriate amount of inorganic fertilizer applied on both sides. If sugarcane is planted in winter, it can be used as a seed-covering fertilizer, then covered with a layer of soil, which helps the sugarcane buds survive the winter smoothly.

2. Fertilization at the seedling stage

(1) In order to promote rapid root growth of sugarcane buds, seedling-promoting fertilizer can be applied early at the sugarcane seedling stage, thereby promoting leaf growth and improving photosynthesis.

(2) For seedling fertilizer, high-nitrogen compound fertilizer can be selected. When the sugarcane seedlings grow 3-4 leaves, about 8-10 kg of compound fertilizer can be applied per mu. It can be applied in holes after mixing with water, or applied together with intertillage weeding and soil mounding. Generally, in dry conditions, applying in holes after mixing with water is recommended.

(3) After the seedlings tiller, fertilizer for strong tillering can be applied, which helps the tillers become thick and strong. Generally, about 8-15 kg of high-nitrogen, high-potassium compound fertilizer can be applied per mu, applied by mixing with water or by soil mounding.

3. Fertilization at the mid-to-late growth stage

(1) Generally, sugarcane during the elongation stage is in a period of rapid stem growth. In order to increase yield, the amount of fertilizer applied must be increased.

(2) During the elongation stage of sugarcane, in order to promote root growth, about 15-20 kg of high-nitrogen compound fertilizer can be applied per mu each time, carried out together with intertillage and soil mounding, which helps improve the root system's absorption capacity.

(3) In the late stage, in order to cultivate underground sugarcane buds and lay a good foundation for ratoon cane the following year, topdressing can be applied appropriately. Two months before maturity, sugarcane can be given one application of tail-strengthening fertilizer, with about 5-8 kg of compound fertilizer applied per mu.

II. Topdressing Amounts

1. For mountain planting, the yield is generally about 3-4 tons per mu. About 10-13 kg of urea and about 8-10 kg of potassium chloride can be applied per mu.

2. For fields converted from paddy fields and other high-yield plots, the yield is about 5-6 tons per mu. About 15-18 kg of urea and about 10-13 kg of potassium chloride can be applied per mu.

3. For high-yield fields with a yield of more than 7 tons per mu, about 20-25 kg of urea and about 16-20 kg of potassium chloride can be applied per mu. Phosphate fertilizer can be applied as base fertilizer; if the base fertilizer applied is insufficient, topdressing can be carried out.

III. Fertilization Precautions

1. In order to avoid burning the bud eyes at the base of sugarcane seedlings, it is strictly forbidden to broadcast fertilizer onto the sugarcane stumps, so as not to affect the sprouting of ratoon cane the following year.

2. Generally, do not apply fertilizer before heavy rain, to prevent fertilizer loss.

3. When the soil is relatively dry, fertilization is not suitable, as it will affect the drought resistance of sugarcane.

4. If ammonium bicarbonate is used during fertilization, it can be applied by converting 1 kg of urea into 2.5-2.6 kg of ammonium bicarbonate.