Fertigation efficiency significantly impacts both sucrose content and cane weight in sugarcane production through precise nutrient and water delivery. When properly managed, fertigation ensures optimal nutrient availability during critical growth stages, particularly during the grand growth phase, leading to enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and improved sucrose accumulation in stalks. The controlled application of nutrients through irrigation water promotes better nutrient use efficiency, resulting in increased cane weight and improved juice quality. Studies have shown that well-timed fertigation can increase sucrose content by 0.5-1.5% and cane weight by 10-15% compared to conventional fertilization methods.

The integration of trash retention with fertigation creates a synergistic effect on root development and nutrient uptake in sugarcane cultivation. The retained trash layer acts as a natural mulch, maintaining soil moisture and reducing temperature fluctuations, which creates an ideal environment for root proliferation. This organic layer gradually decomposes, releasing nutrients slowly while improving soil structure and microbial activity. When combined with fertigation, the trash blanket enhances nutrient retention in the root zone, reduces leaching losses, and promotes the development of fine root hairs crucial for nutrient absorption. The improved soil biological activity under trash retention also enhances nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition, leading to better nutrient availability and uptake efficiency. Research indicates that this integrated approach can improve root biomass by 20-30% and increase nutrient use efficiency by 15-25% compared to conventional practices.