Investigations into the Effect of Effective Microorganisms and Organic Amendments on Sugar Cane Production in South Africa

J. F. Prinsloo¹, P.L. de Jager² and B.J. Lienberg²

Aquaculture Research Unit, University of the North, Private Bag X1105, SOVENGA, Northen Province, South Africa¹ and
P.O. 202, Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, South Africa²

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Abstract

Investigations were conducted on sugar cane production in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa to compare and evaluate the nutrient utilisation efficiency of EM-treated organic-inorganically fertilised crops with those receiving chemical fertilisers only. The organic amendment used was CMS, a liquid by-product of the sugar cane industry with relatively high potassium content. This paper discusses application strategies of CMS and EM for the commercial production of sugar cane and the effects thereof on soil quality improvement, especially with respect to Ca+Mg/K ratios in intensively irrigated clay soils of relatively dry sub-tropical areas of South Africa. The effect of organic amendments and microbial inoculants on crop growth and yield, product quality, sucrose content and on total production costs is also discussed.