Requirements for Sugarcane Growth

Study Notes

Requirements for Sugar Cane Growth

Sugar cane requires approximately 1300mm of rainfall annually.
The ideal temperature for sugar cane growth is about 26°C.
Rich loam soil that is well-drained is necessary for sugar cane cultivation.
Labour for sugar cane cultivation can be done manually or by machines.
Flat or gently sloping land is necessary to allow for the use of machinery.

Cultivation and Harvesting of Sugar Cane

The land is ploughed into rows/furrows and cleared of weeds and stones.
Sugar cane is planted from fresh cuttings/cane stalks.
The fields are monitored for pests and weeds and controlled using chemicals and hoes.
Fertilizers may be added as needed.
Sugar cane can also be grown from ratoons, the roots and bottom stalk of the cane left in the ground from the previous year's harvest.
Sugar cane takes about 12 months to grow, typically planted just before the rainy season and harvested in the dry season.

Harvesting Methods

Traditional harvesting is done manually, with males using cutlasses and females bundling and separating the cane from trash.
Mechanical harvesting uses combine harvesters, which cut the cane into small pieces, separate it from trash, and load it directly onto trucks.
Harvested cane is transported to the factory for processing, then exported from the Bridgetown Port.

Description

This quiz covers the essential conditions for sugarcane cultivation, including climate, soil, labor, and relief requirements. Learn about the ideal temperature, rainfall, and soil type for sugarcane growth, as well as the importance of flat land and machinery.