Influence of different rates of trash application with waste decomposer on N, P, and S mineralisation of soil under ratoon crop of sugarcane

Sugarcane crops are a source of income for the rural people, but the residue of sugarcane is burnt by them, which causes harmful effects on the soil and atmosphere. Apart from this, if sugarcane residue is retained on the soil as mulch, it conserves soil moisture, improves the soil properties, and inhibits the growth of weeds. Addressing this issue, an experiment was conducted to find out the effect of trash management practices on the chemical properties of soil under sugarcane ratoon cultivation. The results revealed that a significantly higher [133.92 kg ha-1] mean value of available N was recorded with the application of trash mulch with waste decomposer in alternate rows compared to the control. Application of trash mulch with waste decomposer in continuous rows reported a significantly higher [22.03 kg ha-1] mean value of available P compared to the control. The application of trash mulch in alternate rows with waste decomposers shows the highest available S of soil [5.93 kg ha-1] and is significantly higher than the control [5.20 kg ha-1]. This study mainly emphasises the main effect of the trash residue of sugarcane on the physico-chemical properties of soil. It also helps in to enhance the soil health and soil fertility of soil.