Response of sugarcane variety COVSI 9805 to site specific nutrient management in Maharashtra

The field experiments were conducted to examine the response of sugarcane variety Co-VSI 9805 to nutrient management including macro, secondary and micro nutrients at four locations in Maharashtra. The sugarcane varieties are different in their production potential therefore the nutrient requirement is also differ with their characteristics. Experiment was designed in split plot with four main treatment of 100%, 125%, 150% and 175% RDF based on soil analysis approach and the sub treatments of S, Fe, Zn, Mn and B. The results showed increased cane yield with increased levels of NPK. However, cane yield obtained under 175% RDF was not economically beneficial due to insignificant increase in benefit cost ratio over 150% RDF. The cane variety CoVSI9805 responded significantly to S @ 60 kg ha^-1 + FeSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^-1 + Zn SO₄ @ 20 kg ha^-1. Therefore, conclusion has been made to increase recommended dose of NPK by 50% coupled with S @ 60 kg ha^-1, FeSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^-1 and Zn SO₄ @ 20 kg ha^-1 for maximum cane yield and economic benefit of CoVSI 9805. The number of milliable canes, height, girth and nutrient contents influenced by higher dose NPK, secondary and micronutrients might be the contributory factors for increased cane and sugar yield.