Influence of climatic factors on the growth and yield of sugar cane at Numan, Nigeria

This study investigates the effect of climate on the growth and yield of sugar cane at the Savannah Sugar Company in Numan, Nigeria. Correlation and regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between sugar cane yield and climatic factors at different phenological stages of the crop. Results from the correlation analysis showed that several of the climatic factors studied significantly affect the growth and yield of sugar cane. Stepwise regression analysis identified 2 climate variables as the critical factors influencing crop yield: pan evaporation at the 'boom' (or 'grand growth') stage, and minimum temperature at germination stage. These 2 factors accounted for > 68% of the variation in the yield of sugar cane in the study area. The implications of the results are discussed with respect to sugar cane cultivation in the region.