Residual recovery and yield performance of nitrogen fertilizer applied at sugarcane planting

Abstract

The low effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizer (N) is a substantial concern that threatens global sugarcane production. The aim of the research reported in this paper was to assess the residual effect of N-fertilizer applied at sugarcane planting over four crop seasons in relation to sugarcane crop yield. Toward this end three field experiments were established in the state content at the other, whereas the only residual effect was higher sucrose content in one of the following ratoons. The combined effect was an increase in sugar yield for three of the 11 crop seasons evaluated. Over the crop cycle of a plant cane and three ratoon crops, only 35 % of the applied N was recovered, split 75, 13, 7 and 5 % in the plant cane, first, second and third ratoons, respectively. These findings document the low efficiency of N recovery by sugarcane, which increases the risk that excessive N fertilization will reduce profitability and have an adverse effect on the environment.

Stalk yield and nitrogen (15N) recovery of irrigated sugarcane during the plant-cane cycle using urea

“…The recovery of nitrogen from urea by crop residues (RNUR) was not influenced by any factor, corroborating the study conducted by Franco et al (2015). The authors, studying the recovery of nitrogen urea applied to sugarcane in three different cities in the state of São Paulo, reported that in two cities, the recovery of N-urea was not influenced by the increase of nitrogen levels during plant-cane.…”

“…This study corroborates with Franco et al (2015) when authors reported a significant difference of recovery by plantcane shoots after applying N doses to three regions in the state of São Paulo. They also reported no huge differences of recovery, ranging from 19.5 to 24.7%, which was very close to the results obtained in this study (20.5%).…”

“…This corroborates authors who reported a lack of response of plant-cane to the application of N-fertilizer, such as Araújo et al (2001) and Franco et al (2015). The high content of organic matter incorporated into the soil during the subsequent cycles, the great vigor of roots associated with high absorptions of native soil N and the BNF are the most common factors that explain the absence of responses of plant-cane to N-fertilizer.…”

“…According to Franco et al (2015), nitrogen fertilization is not focused during the plant-cane cycle because the response to this nutrient is more visible during the ratoon cane cycle. However, the yields of the subsequent ratoon cane and the longevity of the plantation may be significantly impaired when biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and nutrient reserves in the soil are not sufficient to meet the needs of the crop during its first cycle.…”

Decision-making on the optimum timing for nitrogen fertilization on sugarcane ratoon

“…The adequate supply of N contributes to stalk yield (Thorburn et al, 2011), whereas the lack of N affects processes such as photosynthesis and formation and development of roots (Taiz and Zeiger, 2009). In general, the first sugarcane ratoon cycle presents a greater response potential to N application compared to response in sugarcane subsequent ratoons (Franco et al, 2015), also presented in this study where maximum yields required rates over 122 kg N ha -1 (Figure 2). This occurred due to lower incidences of tillering failure (data not shown), a better established and more vigorous root system capable of providing adequate nutrient and water uptake.…”