Question

1. With which crop is ratooning associated?
2. What are the types of soil that suit the cultivation of this crop?
3. Why is ratooning practised?

Answer 1

i. Ratooning has a special importance in sugarcane cultivation.

ii. Types of soil suitable for sugarcane cultivation:

• Deep, well-drained fertile alluvial soil
• Black cotton soil (Regur soil)
• Loamy and laterite soils in some regions

iii. Ratooning is practised

1. Ratooning is the practice of leaving the roots and lower parts of the sugarcane crop in the field after harvesting, so that new shoots (ratoons) grow from them.
2. It saves the cost of preparing the land and planting new setts, thus reducing the overall cost of production.
3. It allows for quicker and more economical subsequent harvests.