Priyanka Singh, Subhash Chandra Singh, Prasoon Kumar and Manmohan Singh
U.P. Council of Sugarcane Research, Shahjahanpur, UP. India; priyanka.vishen75@gmail.com
This study evaluates the impact of different planting seasons on the yield, growth, and juice quality of four sugarcane varieties under sub-tropical conditions. A three-year field experiment (2020–2023) was conducted at the U.P. Council of Sugarcane Research, Shahjahanpur, India, using a split-plot design with three replications. Sugarcane was planted in autumn (October), spring (February), and late spring (May), following specific preceding crops generally followed by the growers, viz; green manuring, mustard and wheat, respectively, to analyze the effect of these practices on growth, yield, and quality of sugarcane. The study assessed two early-maturing varieties (Co 0238 & UP 05125) and two mid-late maturing varieties (CoS 08279 & CoS 09232), analyzing their yield and quality attributes across the plant and first-ratoon crops. Results indicate that autumn-planted sugarcane achieved the highest yield (106.93 t/ha for Co 0238) and sucrose content (19.23%), followed by spring and late spring plantings. Delayed planting led to a significant decline in cane yield and commercial cane sugar (CCS%), impacting both farmers’ income and millers’ sugar recovery. However, in ratoon crops, late spring planting showed a slight yield advantage over spring due to improved soil conditions from the wheat residue. Despite the economic benefits of intercropping with mustard and wheat in spring and late spring, the returns did not offset the yield and quality advantages of autumn planting. The findings reinforce the importance of timely planting, with autumn emerging as the most profitable season for maximizing productivity and profitability in sugarcane cultivation.