Economic optimum NPK fertilizer ratios and time of application for high yield and good quality sugarcane production

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess economic optimum NPK fertilizer ratios for high yield and good quality sugarcane production. An experiment using two rates each for N, P and K was planted in July 1996–1998 at sugarcane experimental field Badeggi, Nigeria. The rates were 30 and 90 kg N ha^-1, 20 and 50 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1, and 40 and 60 kg K₂O ha^-1. Data were collected on the plant crop, first and second ratoon crops. Single factor production function/value productivity function models were used. The results indicated that NPK (90–50–40) ratio was the economic optimum level, when 50% of nitrogen and whole of P and K was applied at planting, and the remaining N split applied in equal doses at 5–6 and 10–12 weeks after first application.