Effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on sugarcane production

Abstract

Field trials were conducted in 1998 and 1999 wet seasons at the upland sugarcane experimental farm, Badeggi (9°45^IN, 06°07^IE) in the Southern Guinea Savana of Nigeria to evaluate the sustainability of organic fertiliser on chewing sugarcane (var. Bida Local) production.  From the results in both years, organic fertiser cow-dung 10ton/ha, inorganic fertiliser 120N-60P₂O₅-90k₂O, cow-pea var. L.25 soybean TGX579 and Sesbania rostrata were able to sustain sugarcane growth and yield throughout its life cycle.  Sugarcane growth and yield (ton/ha) obtained from plots treated with organic and inorganic fertilisers and also plots incorporated with life legumes were significantly greater than the sole cane where no fertiliser was applied.  Though the plots that received the standard rate in - organic fertiliser (120N-60P₂O₅-90k₂O kg/ha) gave better sugarcane growth and yield over the plots treated with life legumes (Cowpea, Soybean and Sesbania).  However, the best sugarcane growth and yield (ton/ha) were obtained from the plots incorporated with cow-dung at 10 ton/ha and also supplemented with in-organic fertiliser at 120N-60P₂O₅-90k₂Okg/ha.