Question

What are the two disadvantages of growing sugarcane by ‘ratoon’ method?

Answer 1

1. Lower Crop Yield and Quality: With each consecutive ratoon crop, yield and sugar content decrease dramatically. The soil runs out of crucial nutrients, and the old root system weakens, resulting in thinner, lower-quality canes than the original plant.
2. Higher Risk of Pests and Diseases: Because the field is not cleaned, ploughed, or sun-sterilized between harvests, harmful pests (such as root borers) and diseases (such as red rot) can easily survive in the old stubble and infect fresh ratoon shoots.