Partitioning of Major Nutrients and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Sugarcane Genotypes

Sugarcane being a heavy biomass producer needs enormous quantity of nutrients. Soil has to be replenished with the quantities of nutrients utilized by the crop to maintain the productivity as well as soil quality. Partitioning of nutrients (N, P and K) in the aerial parts of sugarcane genotypes entered in the advanced varietal trial (AVT) during 2015–2016, and their nutrient use efficiencies were assessed. Among Early genotypes, Co 10006 accumulated the highest proportion of N (53%) and K (60%) in tops and trash. In Mid-late category, Co 86032 accumulated the highest proportion of N and P in tops and trash, while Co 10017 accumulated the lowest proportion of N, P and K in tops and trash. P and K accumulation in foliage of Mid-late genotypes was more than 70%. The nutrient-rich tops and trash can be effectively utilized/recycled in the farm to reduce nutrient loss. Among Early genotypes, Co 10027 was N- and K-efficient utilizer and required 1.27 and 1.47 kg of N and K, respectively, for one tonne cane production and for P, Co 10026 was the most efficient genotype which required 0.158 kg P for one tonne cane. Among Mid-late genotypes, the genotype Co 10017 was found to be efficient in terms of NPK use and required 1.73, 0.147 and 1.39 kg of N, P and K, respectively, for one tonne cane production. Hence, cultivation of nutrient-efficient advanced generation sugarcane genotypes will reduce the pressure on the resources or they may be used as parents in breeding to develop efficient varieties.