Ratoon Cropping

Ratoon cropping is growing a fresh crop from the stubbles or suckers of the plant crop without replanting. It is also referred to as stubble cropping, re-harvesting, second crop, etc. Ratoon cropping is used extensively in sugarcane, bananas and plantains, pineapple, forage crops and minor fibre crops such as abaca and ramie; and to a limited extent in rice, sorghum, pigeon pea, and some vegetables. Ratoon cropping is an age-old practice with several advantages. Most importantly it is a cost effective practice as it saves seed material and to some extent, labour and inputs. It makes efficient use of the growing seasons and facilitates crop intensification, and thus helps in improving agricultural productivity. This book collects and presents relevant information on ratoon cropping.