Effects of different levels of soil compaction on yield, yield components and sucrose in sugarcane cv. CP 48-103, in Khuzestan, Iran*

In order to investigate the effects of different levels of soil compaction on yield, yeild components, and sucrose in sugarcane, cv. CP 48-103 an experiment was conducted during 2000-2001 in Khuzestan, Iran. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 3 replications. The soil was compacted to different levels by a tractor. Penetrometer resistances of the soil were measured as 650, 1250, 2350 and 3250 kpa.The results of this study showed that compacting the soil to a penetrometer resistance of 650 kpa had no significant effect on cane yield. However, the yield of cane decreased as compaction of the soil was increased to a penetrometer resistance of 3250 kpa. A similar trend to that of cane yield was observed for plant height, number of tillers and total dry matter yield as soil compaction increased. Soil compaction to the rate of PR of 3250 kpa had no significant effect on purity and sucrose percentage, consequently, on sucrose yield. However, there was a decreasing trend in these qualitative characteristics. The results of this study also indicated physiological growth indices such as LAI, CGR, NAR and RGR decreased as the soil compaction increased was compacted from a penetrometer resistance of 650 kpa to 3250 kpa.