Effects of soil properties on growth and chlorosis in sugarcane

Abstract

Properties of different soils and characteristics of plants were studied from thirty‐one diverse sugarcane fields in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra State, where a varying degree of chlorosis can often be observed. One non‐chlorotic and one chlorotic sugarcane plant were removed with their intact roots. A composite soil sample beneath each plant was collected separately and analysed for pH, EC, DTPA‐Fe, CaCO₃ equivalent %, organic carbon content and Ca and Mg supplying capacity of the soil. The high soil organic carbon and Mg/Ca ratio seemed to be associated with chlorosis in the plant. These two factors adversely affected the root system which in turn probably affected the iron utilization and synthesis of chlorophyll in the plants.

Key words:

• Calcareous soil
• organic matter
• root growth
• chlorosis