Potassium nutrition in the first and second ratoon sugarcane grown in an Oxisol by a conservationist system

Abstract

The presence of mulch on the soil surface after the mechanical harvesting of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) enhances the cycling of nutrients, especially K, which can decrease K fertilizer recommendations for the crop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of K addition to an Oxisol, with an initial concentration 0.07 cmolc K kg -1 , in first and second ratoon (no-till) sugarcane cultures by a conservationist system, i.e. rational use of fertilizers, use of alternative inputs and especially the maintenance of residues in soil that was previously burned to facilitate cutting. The following K doses were tested: 0, 32.5, 65, 130, and 195 kg K2O ha -1 , arranged in a randomized block design with five replicates. Potassium content in the soil and in the plant, as well as the yield and the quality of stalks were evaluated. Soil K application increased K concentration in soil and plant, and was reflected in the production of stalks, with higher production (87.5 and 107.5 t ha -1 ) with the use of 120 and 123 kg K2O ha -1 in first and second ratoon sugarcane, respectively. At the first 2 yr it was not possible to reduce the K fertilization in ratoon. Therefore, with the introduction of the conservationist system there was an increase (20 t ha -1 ) at the second ratoon regarding the first one with the same applied rate.

Fertilizer source and application method influence sugarcane production and nutritional status

“…In the study conducted by Almeida et al (2015), the surface application may have mitigated the salt effect of fertilizer on sugarcane, preventing direct contact with its root system. Similar results were reported by Flores et al (2014), who observed that sugarcane yield in a Latossolo (Oxisol) decreased after 120 kg K 2 O ha −1 .…”

Optimizing Sugarcane Growth, Yield, and Quality in Different Ecological Zones and Irrigation Sources Amidst Environmental Stressors

“…Furthermore, K application reduces N requirements through better N metabolism and transportation of nitrate to shoots [49,50]. A foliar spray of micronutrients combined with soilapplied K also improved cane yield (12.49% and 42.79% over conventional farming practices) but also yielded the higher brix contents and sugar recovery [51,52]. Similar was also reported for other crops [53].…”

Sugarcane response to polyhalite fertilizer in Brazilian Oxisols

“…This result is consistent with results presented by Ng Kee Kwong (2002) who stated that most of the sugarcane K demand will be taken up before maximum dry matter accumulation, more intense over the maximum leaf area. Moreover, the rate response from K application is commonly reported (Cantarella & Rossetto, 2014;Cavalcante et al, 2016;Flores et al, 2014). In an extensive study in Brazil at six locations with high soil acidity and low soil test K levels that evaluated sugarcane response to liming and K fertilizer application rates, Rossetto, Spironello, Cantarella, and Quag-gio (2004) reported no significant interactions between liming and K fertilizer application rates at any site, that liming affected the yield response to fertilizer rate at only 2 sites, and that the rate response to K fertilizer rate in 7 of 10 crop seasons was linear.…”