Question

Give reasons for the following statement.

More than two ratoons should not be practiced in succession.

Answer 1

More than two ratoons should not be practiced in succession because:

1. The yield and quality of the crop decrease after repeated ratooning.
2. The soil becomes depleted of nutrients, affecting crop growth.
3. Pests and diseases may increase due to continuous cultivation.
4. The stalks become weak and thin, resulting in poor crop growth.
5. Fertiliser requirements increase to maintain productivity.
6. Continuous ratooning may cause gradual deterioration of the soil.