What Are the Key Points to Note When Growing Sugarcane? A Detailed Guide to the Essentials
Sugarcane is an important sugar crop and the raw material for sucrose; it can also be used to refine ethanol, making it an important cash crop in our country. So, what are the key points to note when growing sugarcane? Let's learn about them together!
1. Seedling stage management
Seedling stage management mainly covers the period from germination to node formation. During this time, the main goal is to ensure there are no gaps in the field and that the seedlings are strong. After sugarcane is planted, not all seedlings will germinate, and gaps will appear, so timely replanting is needed to ensure a full stand of seedlings in the field and increase sugarcane yield. It is best to replant on rainy or overcast days, as the survival rate will be much higher. At the same time, when planting, we should cover with plastic film to maintain temperature, which helps sugarcane germinate better. When the sugarcane grows five or six leaves, the film should be removed promptly and the first fertilization carried out. When fertilizing, be careful not to apply fertilizer directly onto the leaves, nor too close to the sugarcane roots, otherwise the seedlings may easily die.
2. Elongation stage management
The elongation stage of sugarcane is generally from June to October, and attention must be paid to preventing both waterlogging and drought. The elongation stage is the most critical period for sugarcane growth. At this time, the sugarcane is forming nodes; the longer the nodes grow, the taller the sugarcane becomes and the better it tastes, and the yield is also higher. So during this period we must pay special attention to fertilization. Generally, fertilizer that helps strengthen the nodes and promote growth is applied, and since the nutrient requirements are relatively high during this stage, care must be taken to apply the right amount when fertilizing, neither too much nor too little. Too little leads to poor nutrition and low yield, while too much can cause the sugarcane to rot or to have no sugar content. The elongation stage is generally from June to October, so attention must be paid to preventing waterlogging and drought.
3. Late-stage management
The main focus of late-stage management is preventing certain sugarcane diseases and pests. Based on the different symptoms the sugarcane shows, timely and targeted prevention and treatment are helpful for increasing the final yield of sugarcane.
4. Harvesting at the right time
The harvest of the previous sugarcane crop has a huge impact on ratoon sugarcane. If the harvest is too early, the soil is dry, or the periods of low temperature and drought are too long, it is unfavorable for the sprouting of sugarcane buds, causing them to lose vigor; they may also be affected by drought and die, affecting the yield and quality of ratoon sugarcane. Experienced sugarcane farmers say that in southern regions, after Major Cold and during the Beginning of Spring period is the most suitable time to keep ratoon sugarcane, so harvesting at this time is best, because the temperature has begun to rise again and rainfall is gradually increasing. Both temperature and moisture can meet the needs of sugarcane sprouting and promote the ratoon crop to send up shoots as soon as possible. In addition, harvesting must be done on sunny days. If harvesting is done in rainy weather, pathogens can invade through the wounds via rainwater, damaging the ratoon crop and affecting shoot growth.
The above is what the Tuliu.com editors have compiled for you regarding the key points to note when growing sugarcane. As the saying goes, “Eating sugarcane in winter is better than ginseng.” Sugarcane is juicy and sweet and rich in nutrients, so you can eat more sugarcane in winter. After eating, rinse your mouth promptly to avoid too much sugar lingering in the oral cavity and causing cavities and mouth ulcers. However, when eating sugarcane, note that sugarcane that has turned red must never be eaten. If vomiting or convulsions occur, seek medical attention immediately.