The practice of growing sugarcane on hot land offers farmers a promising path to wealth. However, proper harvesting techniques are essential to ensure not only high yields but also the success of ratoon cane in the following season. There are three key factors that farmers should focus on when harvesting: timing, quality, and field clearance.
First, timing is crucial. The harvest period of the previous season significantly affects the growth of ratoon cane. Harvesting too early can be detrimental, especially if it occurs during prolonged cold or dry periods. This can cause the sugarcane head to lose its physiological function, leading to drying and even death. On the other hand, harvesting too late shortens the growth period for the ratoon cane, which can negatively impact yield. In the south-central Guangdong region, it's recommended to harvest after the coldest days have passed, during the spring rain season, and to leave the cane in the field with the roots intact. At this time, temperatures are rising, and moisture levels are sufficient to support bud development, making it ideal for the growth of perennial roots.
Second, the quality of the harvested sugarcane plays a major role in the success of ratoon cane. Farmers should use sharp tools to make clean cuts, ensuring the cut surface is smooth and the cane head remains undamaged. A low cut, keeping the cane head around 7 to 10 cm long, is ideal. If the head is too long, the upper buds may germinate prematurely, which can weaken the lower shoots and result in weaker plants. Before the start of spring, farmers should allow the autumn and winter shoots to grow and raise the head of the cane. These should be removed after spring begins to keep the ratoon cane uniform. For fields harvested in early spring, it’s important to remove the old shoots so that only the new, thick spring shoots remain.
Third, timely field clearance is essential. After harvesting, the field should be cleared to prevent sugarcane leaves from covering the cane heads, which could damage them and affect the development of new shoots. There are two main methods for clearing the field: either leaving the leaves in place or removing them entirely. If left in the field, they can be stacked between the rows and used as fertilizer directly. Alternatively, they can be taken out of the field and composted to return to the soil later. Burning the dried leaves is another option, but using them as organic fertilizer is the most beneficial. This helps increase soil organic matter, improve soil structure, and enhance fertility, ultimately boosting the yield of ratoon cane.
By following these three important practices—timely harvesting, maintaining quality, and proper field clearance—farmers can maximize their sugarcane production and ensure the health of future crops.
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