The effects of different irrigation intervals on stalk height and circumference of the sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L)

Qhelile Ntombikayise Bhebhe

Abstract


A field experiment on the effect of different irrigation intervals on the stalk height and circumference of sugarcane was conducted during the cropping season in Eswatini. It was done following the irrigation water deficits due to the decline in the amount of rainfall received. This project was carried out at the Mgulugulu and Sihlase Investments Farm, a scheme under Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP 1) run by Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (ESWADE). The experimental design was a RCBD with four replications. There were five irrigation intervals serving as treatments which were the 6- day irrigation interval; 12- day irrigation interval; 18-day irrigation interval; 24- day irrigation interval and 30- day irrigation interval. The results obtained showed that the highest stalk growth was obtained from the 6 day irrigation interval while the lowest was obtained from the 30 day irrigation interval at 12; 24 and 36 weeks after sprouting. However, due to the fact that there was no significant difference between the stalk growth obtained between the 6-day and 12-day irrigation interval, the 12- day interval is recommended and could be used for irrigation to save water, resources and inputs and at the same time reap higher yields.

Keywords


Irrigation interval, sugarcane, stalk height, stalk circumference

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v20.2.1776

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