CHAPTER V. 



SUGAR CANE SOILS. 



The cane is a plant which in its economy demands large quantities of 

 water, and hence when grown under natural conditions it requires a soil of 

 considerable water-retaining power. Such a soil is represented by a typical 

 clay, and such soils under profitable cane cultivation are to be found in British 

 Guiana, Louisiana, and in other countries. 



Following on clays, loams and alluvial deposits, containing large quantities 

 of humus which also belong to the water-retaining type, are suited for cane 

 cultivation. Not less important than a high retentive power for water is the 

 necessity for the removal of an excess of water ; a clay soil standing on a 

 porous substratum is for this reason much more suitable than one where the 

 under-drainage is less complete. Where ample water is available for irrigation 

 lighter soils of no great water holding capacity give, with intensive fertilization, 

 enormous yields ; the estates in Hawaii which have become notorious for their 

 high returns are of this class, and yields but little inferior are obtained in Peru 

 from very light sandy soils. 



These last soils under natural conditions are quite unsuited for cane 

 cultivation ; in such soils, unless under artificial irrigation, a small cane with a 

 high fibre content is obtained. In soils where the moisture content is too high, 

 whether due to excessive rainfall or to insufficient drainage, the maturity of 

 the cane is delayed, and a product with but a low percentage of sugar is obtained. 



Delteil 1 makes the following statement with regard to cane soils : 



" In mellow open soils, watered by rain or irrigation, the cane becomes fine 

 and large and gives much sugar. In light sandy soils, or in volcanic soils of recent 

 origin, the juice is very sweet, but the canes are somewhat small. 



" In calcareous soils, the canes develop superlatively well, the juice is rich and 

 easy to work. In alluvial soils, too moist or too rich in alkalis, the canes have 

 a fine appearance, but the juices are poor in sugar, work with difficulty and produce 

 much molasses." 



Boname 2 makes the following pertinent observations on cane soils and 



climate : 



" The cane grows more or less well in all soils if it receives the care and 

 manures that its economy demands ; but, to develop vigorously, and to supply a 

 juice rich in sugar, it demands a free and deep soil. The physical properties of the 

 soil are at least as important as its chemical composition, and if irrigation is 

 impossible during the dry season its coolness will naturally be one of the principal 

 factors in the production. 



"The most favourable nature of soil varies with the climate. 



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