ISSN 2375-1185
African Journal of Agronomy Vol. 2 (9), pp. 211-218, September, 2014. International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Effect of length of pre-harvest drying-off period during the cool season on soil moisture content and cane quality of sugarcane cultivars at Metahara Sugar Estate
1Abiy Getaneh and 2Tadesse Negi
Sugarcane Agronomist, Sugar Corporation, Research and Training, P.O.Box-15, Wonji, Ethiopia. Email: [email protected]
Accepted 11, June 2014
Abstract
An investigation was undertaken on clay soils in cool season (November – January) of two crop years at Metahara Sugar Estate to study the relationship of length of pre-harvest drying-off period with cane quality parameters. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications. The main plot factor was sugarcane varieties, namely ‘B52298’, ‘B41227’, ‘NCo376’ and ‘NCo334’ which were evaluated by subjecting them to eight length of drying-off periods (sub-plot). The result of the study in both years showed that drying off period treatment resulted in gradual decline in soil moisture percentage. In crop year 1 better estimate recoverable sugar (ERS) were obtained for soil moisture between 24-28% which observed within 5 to 9 weeks drying off period treatment. In crop year 2, soil moisture was initially very low and the rainfall shower improved juice quality as it relieved the crop from being drastically harmed by extended moisture stress. When rainfall occurred after the cane is subjected to moisture stress, proper monitoring of soil moisture status is recommended to decide when to harvest the crop. Generally, the result of the study in both years indicates that drying off treatment exerted its effect on cane quality through its influence on soil moisture status, which in turn is dictated by soil moisture regime and prevailing weather condition in each year. Thus, to attain high cane quality, it is essential to precisely determine soil moisture status during pre-harvest drying off treatment.
Key words: Drying-off, juice quality, recoverable sugar, soil moisture, sugarcane.