Relationship between spatial variation of weather parameters and sugarcane yield in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh (and Uttaranchal)

Abstract

Spatial variation in sugarcane production is examined in relation to weather variables to understand the role of climatic conditions controlling the yield of sugarcane in the states of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh (and Uttaranchal). Since a set of optimum weather conditions that are conducive for maximum rate of growth of this crop are already documented, it is also important to assess the variation of weather conditions at each of the growth phases from the optimum values for making microclimatic manipulation by using mulch and irrigations in the field. The present study has brought out how the spatial variation of mean sugarcane yield was affected due to the spatial variation of mean meteorological parameters in the state of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh (and Uttaranchal). It was observed that the spatial variation of mean maximum and minimum temperature played a crucial role in reducing the yield of sugarcane. It was also seen that the spatial variation of average morning and evening relative humidity at tillering and early growth stages were beneficial for sugarcane yield. Further it was found that the spatial variation of rainfall played an important role with the spatial variation of sugarcane yield. Higher rainfall in the districts of Uttar Pradesh (and Uttaranchal) had beneficial effects at all growth stages whereas it showed negative effects at some growth stages in Maharashtra presumably due to variation of soil types and irrigation resources.