Sowing techniques significantly affected the leaf area index of sugarcane at maturity
during both the years of investigation (Table 2). The trench sowing technique by giving
7.48 and 7.29 leaf area index of sugarcane statistically surpassed the flat sowing
technique during 2005-06 and 2006-07, respectively.
The weed-crop competition periods affected the leaf area index significantly during
each year of investigation. The highest leaf area index of sugarcane was computed for
crop kept weed free (zero competition) throughout the season and it was immediately
followed by crop, which faced weed competition up to 45 days after sowing during both
the years of study. Significantly, the minimum leaf area index of sugarcane was
calculated for crop, which faced full season weed competition (weedy check).
The data regarding average crop growth rate (ACGR) given in Table 2 reflected that
sowing techniques affected ACGR significantly in 2005-06, but effect was not significant
during 2006-07. The data revealed that trench sown sugarcane exhibited significantly
more ACGR (7.32 and 7.90 g m-2 day-1) than flat sown crop, which showed 7.21 and 7.68
g m-2 day-1 in 2005-06 and 2006-07, respectively. Weed-crop competition period
significantly reduced the ACGR during both the years of study. Weed competition free
crop (zero competition) by giving 8.12 and 8.85 g m-2 day-1 ACGR in both the years
proved significantly better than crop facing weed competition up to any duration till
harvest (weedy check). Reduction in ACGR was recorded with increasing the weed crop
competition during both the years of study.