Most of the spring season sugarcane crop is planted in March but late sowing is still in progress in the different parts of Punjab. Its production is directly correlated with sowing methods . Department of agriculture recommends its planting in 4 feet apart trenches but most of the sugarcane growers prefer the planting of this crop at 2.5 feet apart ridges. We have discussed some of the merits and demerits of these two methods in this video.
4 feet apart bed planting has more benefits than 2.5 feet apart ridge sowing. 4 feet apart bed planting is well earthed up and it can tolerate more fertilizer and irrigation. Not only intercultural operations are more feasible but earthing up resists lodging and keeps the crop in standing form. Standing crop gives more production than lodged. This method is more suitable for September sowing but not for late planting
Sowing of sugarcane at 2.5 feet apart ridges is a conventional method only feasible for low input farmers especially in case of late sowing. Crop planted through this method can not withstand more fertilizer and is very susceptible to lodging. Delayed planting especially in April or even its sowing after wheat crop is more successful than 4 feet apart bed planting.

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