Ratooning

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Ratooning is a method sometimes used in sugarcane propagation. This means leaving the lower parts of the cane along with the root uncut at the time of harvesting to give the "Ratoon" or the "stubble crop". This proves beneficial as it provides an early, economic crop each year. However, this method cannot be used endlessly as the yield of the ratoon crop decreases after each cycle. Nonetheless, Ratooning is known to give a steady yield for three years.

Other than early maturation, Ratooning is also beneficial as the cost of cultivation becomes much lower since there is less expenditure of preparing the field and planting.

Ratooning leads to thinner canes with low sugar content. There is also an increasing risk of pests and diseases.

[edit] Sources

• http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-492099/ratooning