Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) manual - SRI - India

Ratoon Management in Sugarcane
Ratooning is a method where the lower parts of the plants along
with the roots are left uncut at the time of harvesting. It is
the most commonly followed and important practice in sugarcane
cultivation. In ratoon crops, there is a saving in cost of cultivation
in terms of land preparation, seed canes, etc. If ratoons are well
maintained, they give high yields. But, for a better ratoon crop, a
better plant crop is necessary.
Avoid ratooning of
pest and disease
infected plant crops.
Within a week after harvesting the plant crop, ratoon management
practices like stubble shaving, off baring, gap filling etc., should be
initiated.
Stubble shaving
• The stubbles just above ground level should be cut using a very
sharp blade.
• This helps the healthy underground buds to sprout and establish
a deeper root system.
Plant crops should
be harvested
when the weather
conditions are
conducive for stubble
sprouting.
• The deeper root system thus obtained facilitates optimum
utilization of the nutrients and moisture available in the lower soil
layers and provides good support for growth of the ratoon crop.
Off baring
• It is an operation wherein the ridges are broken or cut on either
side using a plough.
• This will loosen the soil to develop better root system and
thereby better absorption of nutrients and water.
Harvest of the plant
crops should be
done close to the
ground level.
Ratoon management
Improving Sugarcane Cultivation in India 27