Precise management of nutrients is most essential for improving crop productivity and nutrient use efficiency (NUE). This could be achieved by following 4R principles viz., applying right source of nutrients with right quantity at the right time in right location. As per the 4R nutrient stewardship approach, the drip fertigation system especially subsurface drip fertigation (SSDF) system has the capability to deliver correct dose of fertilizer nutrients at the correct location in right time as and when required by the plants. SSDF is considered as an environmental friendly technology, because it controls fertiliser related pollution particularly leaching (also of applied K), volatilization and denitrification losses of nitrogen besides reducing the fixation of P and K in soil. Sugarcane is a row crop with higher nutrient and water requirement where drip irrigation in general and drip fertigation in particular is gaining momentum now-a-days. SSDF with 4R nutrient stewardship approach not only enhances the NUE but also improves the productivity of sugarcane.

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