Sugarcane yield, ratooning, and water response in cropping environments with contrasting water supply gradient

The productive performance of sugarcane [Saccharum officinarum (L.)] fields is influenced by climate, soil, plant attributes, and crop management. This study assesses sugarcane field performance, longevity, and genotype responsiveness to environments with varying water supply. Data from 21 cropping seasons (1998/1999–2018/2019) from Sugar and Alcohol Mill in Alagoas, Brazil, were analyzed. Cropping environments were categorized based on landscape relief and water supply levels: (1) rainfed hillside (HR); (2) rainfed tableland (TR); (3) tableland with “salvation irrigation” (TS); (4) tableland with linear moving irrigation (TL); (5) floodplain (FP); and (6) tableland with subsurface drip irrigation (TD). Higher water supply levels were directly correlated with increased sugarcane potential yield. The yield decay rate was inversely correlated with the water supply gradient, with FP and TD environments showing similar potential yield rates and decay, differing significantly from non-irrigated environments. Varietal differences were observed for longevity and response to water supply, emphasizing the importance of adapting and selecting genetic material for specific cropping environments.