Effect of zinc on cane population and yield of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) in calcareous soils

A field experiment was conducted during 1994-95 to 1996-97 to study the eff ect of Zn on cane population and yield of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in calcareous soil. The maximum final stalk number was produced by basa l application of 10 kg Zn/ha. Its splitting could not bring marked effect. The highest cane yield was also owing to basal application of 10 kg Zn/ha b ut was at par with that of its 2 or 3 splits during first 2 years where 1 s plit was given at the time of planting. Foliar spray did not improve cane y ield in the first year, but 0.1 % in the second year and 0.2 % in the third year gave significantly higher yield than control.