Growth and productivity of sugarcane (Sachharum spp hybrid complex) plant and ratoon under simultaneons and sequential cropping systems with wheat(Triticum aestivum) in subtropical India

A field experiment was conducted during 2001-2004 under 4 cropping systems, viz simultaneous planting of sugarcane and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend.Fiori & Paol.); direct planting of sugarcane under wheat-sugarcane system followed by irrigation; wheat-sugarcane (planting at optimum moisture level) and wheat-sugarcane planting after seed-bed preparation. Significant increase in number of millable canes (86 900 and 79 220/ha), cane length (209.7 and 182.3 cm), diameter (2.45 and 2.15 cm) and weight (990 and 780 g) were recorded under winter planting of cane with wheat during both the seasons. The highest sugarcane yield was obtained with sugarcane planting in December with wheat followed by direct planting at optimum moisture and direct planting followed by irrigation during both the cropping seasons. Mean gross and net income from wheat, sugarcane (plant) and ratoon crops increased to Rs 177 589 and Rs 115 139/ha, respectively, under simultaneous planting of wheat and sugarcane. Simultaneous planting of cane and wheat also fetched higher benefit: cost ratio (2.86). Among wheat-cane systems, net income (Rs 84 295/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.28) from plant and ratoon canes was higher under wheat-cane (planting at optimum moisture). Simultaneous planting of cane and wheat in December was economically-viable.