Comparative evaluation of conventional and alternative potash sources on growth, yield, quality, and economics of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in black cotton soil

A study was conducted at Vasantdada Suagr Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, to evaluate the effects of conventional and alternative potassium sources on sugarcane growth, yield, juice quality, and economic returns. The experiment involved nine treatments applied in a randomized block design with three replications using variety Co 86032. Treatments included muriate of potash (MOP), potash derived molasses (PDM), and incineration ash, applied via general recommended dose of fertilizers (GRDF). The highest cane yield (142.4 t ha⁻¹), CCS yield (20.5 t ha⁻¹), and millable cane count (99.9 thousand ha⁻¹) were achieved under GRDF with PDM, statistically similar to MOP and incineration ash treatments. Juice quality parameters (Brix, Pol, Purity, CCS%) remained unaffected by the potassium source. Economic evaluation showed maximum benefit cost ratio of 2.72 with PDM. These results indicate that molasses-derived potash and incineration ash can serve as effective, sustainable alternatives to conventional MOP for sugarcane cultivation in black cotton soils.