Sugarcane is more than just a crop—it is the backbone of the sugar industry, jaggery production, ethanol blending, and even rural employment across India. If you’re a farmer, supplier, or agricultural entrepreneur, one of the biggest questions you probably have is: which fertilizer is best for sugarcane growth?

I remember meeting a farmer last year during a field visit. He told me, “Sir, I was applying fertilizer, but still my sugarcane yield was low. Later I learned it was not just about using fertilizer, but about using the right fertilizer at the right time and in the right quantity.”

That single line explains the secret: fertilizer management in sugarcane is all about balance, timing, and precision. In this blog, I’ll walk you through fertilizer recommendations, dose charts, ratios, schedules, prices, global trends, and FAQs—so that whether you’re a farmer in India or a fertilizer supplier in the USA or Europe, you’ll find clarity.

Order Bulk Sugarcane Fertilizer

Why Fertilizer Matters in Sugarcane Farming

Sugarcane is a heavy feeder crop. It grows tall, produces thick canes, and extracts a large amount of nutrients from the soil. Without proper fertilizer application, the crop may look green but won’t give you the high cane yield and sugar recovery you expect.

The fertilizer requirement for sugarcane mainly revolves around NPK – Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). But micronutrients and organic matter are equally important.

Fertilizer Requirements for Sugarcane

Before we answer which fertilizer is best, let’s look at the basic requirements:

Nitrogen (N): For vigorous tillering and cane growth.
Phosphorus (P): For strong root development and early establishment.
Potassium (K): For cane weight, sugar content, and disease resistance.
Micronutrients: Zinc, boron, manganese, and iron for higher efficiency.
Organic Manure: Improves soil texture and long-term fertility.

Recommended Fertilizer Ratio for Sugarcane (NPK)

For optimal sugarcane growth, the general fertilizer ratio is:

👉 N:P:K = 3:1:2 (or close to it)

This ratio ensures:

Strong vegetative growth (thanks to nitrogen).
Root development (phosphorus).
Sugar accumulation and cane thickness (potassium).

Fertilizer Dose for Sugarcane (Per Hectare)

Fertilizer Type	Best Source	Typical Dose (kg/ha)	When to Apply
Nitrogen (N)	Urea (46% N)	180–225	Split doses post-planting
Phosphorus (P)	DAP or SSP	60–80	Basal (at planting)
Potassium (K)	MOP	100–150	Split doses after planting
Micronutrients	Mixture (Zn, B, Cu, Fe)	As per guide	Early & mid-growth
Organic/Manure	FYM/Compost	10,000 kg (10t)	Basal

Fertilizer Dose per Acre for Sugarcane

Since most farmers in India calculate on an acre basis, here’s a simple breakdown:

Nitrogen (N): 70–90 kg/acre (approx. 150–200 kg urea)
Phosphorus (P): 25–30 kg/acre (approx. 50–60 kg DAP)
Potassium (K): 40–60 kg/acre (approx. 70–100 kg MOP)
Organic Manure: 4 tons/acre as basal dose

💡 Pro Tip: Always adjust fertilizer dose based on soil test results and local agricultural guidelines.

Sugarcane Fertilizer Schedule (Step-by-Step)

At Planting (Basal Dose):
- Apply full phosphorus + organic manure.
- Add 25% nitrogen and 25% potassium.
45 Days After Planting:
- Apply 50% nitrogen and 50% potassium.
90 Days After Planting:
- Apply remaining nitrogen and potassium.
Micronutrient Application:
- Spray zinc sulphate, borax, or recommended mixture at tillering stage.

This split application prevents nutrient losses and ensures continuous supply.

Sugarcane Fertilizer Recommendations (Practical Tips)

Avoid overuse of nitrogen; it may cause lodging and reduce sugar percentage.
Combine chemical fertilizers with organic manures or green manure.
In saline soils, use gypsum or organic matter to improve soil health.
Drip irrigation + water-soluble fertilizers increase efficiency.

Which Fertilizer is Best for Sugarcane Growth?

If I had to give a direct answer:

Urea (N), DAP/SSP (P), and MOP (K) form the backbone.
Add micronutrient mixtures for yield boost.
For organic farmers, vermicompost, press mud, and biofertilizers like Azospirillum are excellent choices.

So the best fertilizer is not one product but a balanced combination applied at the right time.

The best fertilizer for sugarcane growth is a balanced NPK fertilizer with an ideal ratio of approximately 3:1:2 (Nitrogen:Phosphorus:Potassium). High-quality brands and combinations that yield consistently strong results include:

Trusted Sugarcane Fertilizer Brands and Products

Mahadhan – Well-known for improving sugarcane yield with NPK-based and specialty fertilizers.
Coromandel International – Delivers a comprehensive range of NPK blends suitable for sugarcane.
Deepak Fertilizers (Mahadhan) – Specializes in crop-specific formulas, including for sugarcane.
Katyayani Sugarcane Yield Enhancer Combo – Combines NPK 00-52-34, seaweed extract, micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, B), and gibberellic acid for boosting stalk size, thickness, and sugar content.
ICL Fertiflow Series – Crop-stage specific formulas (12:32:16, 12:36:6, 8:24:24) and advanced micronutrient blends recommended for every growth phase.
Sugarcane Special Liquid Micronutrient Mixture – Especially effective where micronutrient deficiencies impact cane quality.

Apply major fertilizers in split doses (basal, then 45 and 90 days after planting). Supplement with micronutrients and growth enhancers during active growth for best yield and sugar quality.

Choose based on soil test recommendations and local field conditions for maximum effectiveness. Combining specialty NPK with organic and micronutrient options yields the highest returns in terms of cane tonnage and sugar recovery.

Sugarcane Fertilizer Price Trends (India & Worldwide)

Fertilizer prices vary depending on country, season, and demand.

India: Urea is heavily subsidized, costing ₹270 per 45 kg bag. DAP costs around ₹1350 per bag, and MOP ₹1700 per bag.
USA: Urea costs $450–550 per ton, DAP around $700 per ton, and MOP around $550 per ton.
Europe: Prices are higher due to import dependency and energy costs.
Africa: Prices vary widely depending on port access and subsidies.

👉 For bulk buying and latest updates, check trusted suppliers like Agromer.

Global Fertilizer Trade for Sugarcane

India: Largest consumer of fertilizers for sugarcane.
Brazil: Biggest sugarcane producer, imports potash heavily from Canada and Russia.
Thailand: Relies on balanced NPK application for export-quality cane.
Indonesia & Philippines: Demand increasing due to ethanol blending.

Exporters and suppliers can target these markets, especially in peak planting season (April–July in Asia, September–November in Latin America).

Fertilizer Used in Sugarcane Production

Chemical Fertilizers: Urea, DAP, SSP, MOP.
Organic Fertilizers: Farmyard manure, compost, press mud.
Biofertilizers: Azospirillum, Rhizobium, phosphate solubilizers.
Liquid Fertilizers: Foliar sprays with micronutrients.

Real-Life Example: Farmer’s Success with Fertilizer Schedule

Mr. Prakash, a farmer in Uttar Pradesh, followed a split-dose NPK schedule with integrated compost. His yield increased from 60 tons/acre to 85 tons/acre, and sugar recovery improved by 0.8%. This shows how correct fertilizer management directly impacts income.

FAQs on Fertilizer for Sugarcane Growth

1. Which fertilizer is best for sugarcane growth?

Urea, DAP/SSP, and MOP in the ratio N:P:K of 3:1:2, along with micronutrients.

2. What is the sugarcane fertilizer dose per acre?

Nitrogen 70–90 kg, phosphorus 25–30 kg, potassium 40–60 kg, plus 4 tons organic manure.

3. When should fertilizers be applied in sugarcane?

Basal dose at planting, then split nitrogen and potassium at 45 and 90 days.

4. What is the fertilizer schedule for sugarcane?

Apply P at planting, N and K in 2–3 splits, micronutrients during tillering.

5. Is organic fertilizer good for sugarcane?

Yes, especially press mud, compost, and biofertilizers for sustainable farming.

6. Which country is the biggest user of sugarcane fertilizer?

Brazil (due to large area under cane), followed by India.

Choose Smart, Apply Right

So, the answer to which fertilizer is best for sugarcane growth is not about one product but about a balanced NPK mix with micronutrients and organics. A proper fertilizer schedule ensures higher cane yield, better sugar recovery, and long-term soil health.

If you’re looking for reliable fertilizer suppliers, global price updates, or bulk purchase options, check out Agromer Fertilizer Suppliers. They provide trusted resources on types of fertilizers, urea uses, and NPK fertilizers.

👉 Start today: Apply the right fertilizer at the right time, and watch your sugarcane fields grow stronger and more profitable.

If you’re looking for high-quality Sugarcane farm fertilizers at the best prices, Agromer is here to help!

Email: pthary@agromer.org

Call / WhatsApp: +33 (0)2 47 80 23 78

Order now and maximize your Sugarcane farm productivity!