DETERMINATION OF SITE SPECIFIC FERTILIZER REQUIREMENT OF SUGARCANE AND INTERCROP (POTATO) UNDER SUGARCANE-BASED CROPPING SYSTEM

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Ishurdi under High Ganges River Floodplain (AEZ 11) and Jamalpur under Young Brahmaputra and Jamuna Floodplain (AEZ 9) soils with a view to determine the fertilizer requirements of cane and intercrop (potato) and their economics under sugarcane based cropping systems. Cane yield was enhanced (6-8%) when it was intercropped with potato for the residual effect of applied fertilizer to intercrop. Gross return and gross margin was higher in cane intercropped with potato over sole crop at both the locations. Intercropping potato with sugarcane using BSRI‟98 rates of fertilizer for cane and potato followed by in situ dhaincha incorporation gave higher economic benefit at Ishurdi and Jamalpur.