Validation of Soil Test Based Targeted Yield Equations for Ratoon Sugarcane on Vertisols

Abstract:

The validity of the STCR equation was tested by conducting field trials of sugarcane ratoon crop at Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Rudrur during Eksali2017-18 to Eksali2019-20. The treatments include farmer’s fertiliser practice, RDF and STCR based fertilizer recommendations for an yield target of 90t ha^-1. The mean yield obtained in soil test based targeted yield for 90 t ha^-1 (90 t ha^-1) was more or less similar with that of farmer practice of fertilizer recommendations (88 t ha^-1). The results of the experiment indicated that, the per cent achievement of the targeted yield was within ±5% variation proving the validity of the equations for prescribing fertilizer doses for sugarcane ratoon crop. Economics of fertiliser application based on targeted concept gave benefit cost ratio of 2.47. The corresponding value for farmer’s fertiliser practice and RDF is 2.35 and 2.40, respectively. The results confirm the higher benefit-cost ratio recorded through targeted yield approach compared to farmer’s practice of fertiliser recommendations and RDF.