3.1. Components of water use
During 2001–2002, the sugarcane plant crop received 967mm
total rainfall compared to 574mm during 2002–2003. On the
heavier silty clay loam soil, losses through deep percolation
ranged from 25 to 30% in the first crop and 7 to 13% in the
second crop season. Deep percolation losses increased with
wetter soil moisture regimes during both seasons (Tables 1
and 2). Higher initial soil moisture content brought the soil to
field capacity earlier during the rainy season. Thus, excess
water increased with increasing soil moisture regimes. High
ereffective rainfall was recorded in 2001–2002 (680–726 mm) as
compared to 2002–2003 (498–534 mm). This was mainly due to
higher total rainfall received during the first crop season.
Maximum effective rainfall was recorded for the driest soil
moisture regime. Moisture deficit at lower moisture regimes
favoured higher intake of water through rainfall. During 2002–
2003, water loss through deep percolation was higher in plant
cane (40 to 76 mm) compared to ratoon cane (32 to 65 mm,
Table 3). This was due to better soil physical conditions