For Eswatini’s small-scale sugar cane growers, the harvesting season marks a crucial milestone, the culmination of months of hard work and a vital source of income for many rural households. However, as the last stalks are cut and loaded, another equally important phase begins: preparing the fields for regrowth.
Sugar cane is a semi-perennial crop, meaning once harvested, it can regrow from the existing root system, or ratoon, for several seasons. However, this regrowth is only successful with proper field management and timely nutrient support, especially nitrogen-rich fertiliser. That’s where companies like Farm Chemicals step in with expert advice and agricultural solutions tailored for smallholder success.
The role of fertilisation after harvest
Immediately after harvesting, sugar cane enters a vulnerable stage. The plant needs to rebuild its energy reserves and send up strong, healthy shoots. This is a critical time to apply fertiliser, which ensures that the ratoon crop has the nutrients necessary to grow vigorously and produce a good yield in the next cycle. One of the most important nutrients during this phase is nitrogen and the most commonly used nitrogen-based fertiliser in sugar cane production is Urea.
Why Urea matters
Urea (CO(NH₂)₂) is a high-analysis nitrogen fertiliser containing 46 per cent nitrogen, making it one of the most concentrated nitrogen sources available to farmers. It is highly effective in promoting vegetative growth and is ideal for the rapid development of new sugar cane shoots during the ratooning phase.
Some of the key benefits of Urea for sugar cane regrowth include:
Stimulating strong shoot development: This ensures uniform crop growth and helps maximise the next season’s yield.
Enhancing leaf formation: Nitrogen is essential for chlorophyll production, which supports photosynthesis and energy production in plants.
Cost-effective application: Urea is widely available, easy to handle, and affordable for small-scale farmers.
However, to get the most from Urea, proper timing and application methods are essential, this is where Farm Chemicals’ agronomy team plays a vital role.
Farm Chemicals: Your partner in the field
Farm Chemicals has long been a trusted name among Eswatini’s small-scale farmers. With a strong presence across the country, they not only supply high-quality agricultural inputs like Urea, but also offer expert guidance to ensure that farmers apply them correctly.
According to their technical team, the best time to apply Urea is within 2–3 weeks after harvesting, once the trash (harvest residue) has been managed and the soil has adequate moisture. The fertiliser should be banded along the cane rows and lightly incorporated into the soil where possible, to reduce nitrogen losses through volatilisation.
Farm Chemicals also advises on integrated nutrient management, ensuring that Urea is used in combination with other key nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium, based on soil conditions and crop needs.
Advice for small-scale growers
To make the most of the regrowth period and ensure a healthy next harvest, smallholder farmers should consider the following steps:
1. Clear the field of harvest residues and inspect for pests or disease.
2. Soil test to determine specific nutrient requirements.
3. Apply Urea at recommended rates, typically 100–150kg/ha depending on soil fertility and previous crop performance.
4. Follow up with weeding and irrigation, where possible, to maintain soil moisture and reduce competition for nutrients.
Farm Chemicals provides tailored support at every stage, with field visits, recommendations and training sessions designed to empower farmers with knowledge and tools to boost productivity.
The path to sustainable yields
In Eswatini, small-scale sugar cane growers are the backbone of the industry, contributing significantly to national production while sustaining local communities. By focusing not only on harvesting, but also on what comes next, with proper fertilisation and support, these farmers can ensure consistent yields, improved soil health and greater long-term returns.
Thanks to partners like Farm Chemicals, the future of smallholder sugar cane farming in Eswatini is looking more sustainable and promising than ever. For expert advice or to source Urea fertiliser and other crop solutions, farmers can contact Farm Chemicals at 7808 1555 or order on orders@farmchem.co.sz. You can also visit them at Malkerns, Luyengo on Mdutjane Road and Big Bend.
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