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How do farmers irrigate sugarcane when rainfall is too low?
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Sugarcane
Field of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) in St. George Parish, Barbados.
When precipitation is insufficient to meet the water requirements of sugarcane, farmers address the deficiency through irrigation. This is typically accomplished using one of two primary methods:
- Spraying: Applying water over the crop using overhead systems.1
- Furrow irrigation: Directing water into the furrows between rows of sugarcane.1
These techniques help ensure the crop receives the necessary moisture for optimal growth, as sugarcane requires between 2,000 and 2,300 mm (80 to 90 inches) of water during its growing period.1