Assessment of applying zinc to improve the quality of sugarcane

Abstract

Sugarcane is one of the cultivated crops in Bangladesh for centuries. In addition to running one of the most important agro-based industries, it runs the sugar industry as well. In order for sugarcane to be healthy, potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) must be present in its diet. According to estimates, no other material is as abundant as potassium (K) in the plant's cell sap. The potassium content of a sound sugarcane crop is generally between 180 and 240 kg per hector. Potassium (K) is one of the primary elements that provides sucrose which comes from the leaves to the storage tissues. The hydration and osmotic concentration within the stomata guard cells is done by Potassium (K). Zinc (Zn) performs different functions in plants, such as, taking part in different kinds of biological oxidation-reduction, activates metal in enzymes, metabolism of carbohydrate, synthesis of RNA, integrity of biological membranes, and stalk maturation, provides active counter action to infection by pathogens and ultimately increase crop yield and quality. The aim of the work is to evaluate the effect of utilizing zinc in sugarcane cultivation. Positive results are obtained. Zinc incorporation also increased the CCS%. 8 kg/ha zinc with recommended dose of NPK fertilizer is good from economical perspective.