Integrated Nutrient Management Approaches for Enhancing Production Potential and Sustainability of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) Plant–Ratoon System in North Region of India

A field experiment was conducted to develop nutrient management strategies for sustaining soil health and sugarcane production in spring planted crop (2014–2015) and its ratoon (2015–2016) at the research farm of Sugarcane Research Institute, Shahjahanpur, UP, India. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications, implying sugarcane variety CoS 08279. The results revealed that out of the nine treatments, addition of 10 t/ha FYM/compost along with inorganic fertilizers on the basis of soil test + biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB) @ 12.5 kg/ha each had a positive effect on sugarcane growth and yield in both plant (113.10 t/ha) and ratoon crops (98.84 t/ha) as compared to other treatments. Response of biofertilizers was observed to be more pronounced. No significant results were observed in C.C.S. percent in cane. Maximum benefit–cost ratio (2.66 in plant and 1.96 in ratoon cane) was also obtained under the aforesaid treatments.