Morphological Changes in Sugarcane as a Function of Metallurgic Slag and Gypsum

Abstract

Drought associated with soil acidity and exchangeable Al3+ in depth are one of the main limiting factors in agricultural production in Northeast Brazil. Acidity correctives such as limestone, metallurgy slag, and gypsum are alternatives to minimize the effects of seasonal droughts on the crop. A field study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the slag and gypsum on the morphological aspects and productivity of sugarcane during two crop cycles. A randomized block design in subdivided plots scheme with four replications was used. The plot consisted of five rows of 10 m length each, spaced 1 m from each other. Treatments consisted of five levels of metallurgy slag (0; 1; 2; 3 and 4 Mg ha-1) and two levels of gypsum (0 and 1.9 Mg ha-1). Slag and gypsum had no effect on sugarcane plant yield. However, regarding sugarcane ratoon, slag increased the yield per hectare by 1.96 Mg ha-1 and sugar yield by 0.33 Mg ha-1 per Mg of applied slag. Slag and gypsum provided better biomass allocation to the root system and improved root distribution along the soil profile.

Impact of Si on C, N, and P stoichiometric homeostasis favors nutrition and stem dry mass accumulation in sugarcane cultivated in tropical soils with different water regimes

“…It should be noted that, for the first time, using soluble sources via fertigation with Si is also proven efficient in mitigating the damage caused by the water deficit regime in different soils (Figure 5), which is similar to studies using high Si doses incorporated into the soil (Camargo et al, 2017(Camargo et al, , 2021bClemente et al, 2019). However, most studies with this element do not compare the differences in plant response between soils since they study only one soil.…”

“…In order to ensure adequate silicate nutrition for the crop, most studies have evaluated its effects on stem production using Si in solid form with sources of very low solubility in water (calcium silicate), implying the use of the element in high doses (Camargo et al, 2017(Camargo et al, , 2019(Camargo et al, , 2020Clemente et al, 2019). However, there were doubts whether fertigation with Si in concentrations diluted with soluble sources.…”

Utilization of Steel Slag in Agriculture (Review)

“…China and Korea have also used steel slag as Si fertilizer for lowland rice. There is a very good response from sugarcane and other crops due to the application of steel slag to the soil causing it to be used commercially as Si fertilizer by sugarcane plantations in Hawaii and Brazil (Gascho, 2001;Clemente et al, 2019).…”