Sugarcane cultivation under Subsurface Drip Fertigation System

Sugarcane is being a giant crop producing huge quantity of biomass generally demands higher amount of water and nutrients. Inadequate water supply during critical stages of cane causes irreversible reduction in yield. Sub surface drip system is potentially more efficient in arid and semi-arid regions of India because it provides water directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporative losses. In subsurface drip irrigation system, inline drippers are placed below the ground surface to conserve water, control weeds, and minimize runoff. Subsurface drip irrigation has the inherent advantage of securing system safety against pilferage, damage by animals and farm machinery during intercultural operations. Further, under subsurface drip irrigation, when fertigation is combined, nutrient use efficiency could be as high as 90 per cent compared to 40-60 per cent in conventional fertilizer application methods. Adoption of subsurface drip fertigation system may also help in increasing yields and quality parameters due to improved irrigation, nutrients and energy use efficiencies.