ISSN:
1432-2137
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Mathematics
Notes:
Saccharum officinarum L.) based on numerous fertility trials, with the primary variables affecting those recommendations being soil type and crop age. Cropping history influences subsequent crop responses to N fertilization, but such effects have not been determined for sugarcane. The objective of this research was to evaluate previous-crop effects on sugarcane growth and response to N fertilization. Eight 2-yr previous-crop treatments consisted of N-fertilized and unfertilized corn (Zea mays L.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.); unfertilized soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]; and fallow. These treatments were followed by sugarcane grown for 3 yr at four different levels of N fertilizer application. Previous-crop treatments containing corn and sorghum contributed more biomass back to the soil than cotton or soybean. None of the crops grown prior to sugarcane responded to N fertilization, resulting in 90% of the N fertilizer applied remaining in the soil. Sugarcane yield and quality in the plant-cane crop were affected primarily by previous-crop treatments, in the first ratoon by both previous crop and N fertilizer application, and in the second ratoon primarily by N fertilizer application. Sugarcane responses to N fertilization were generally lowest following those treatments which had the most N returned from plant residue, or the most measured residual N. Inorganic soil N measurements correlated better with sugarcane responses to N in the plant cane crop, while mineralizable soil N levels correlated better with sugarcane responses to N in the first ratoon crop. Soybean resulted in low inorganic and mineralizable soil N, yet sugarcane following soybean failed to respond to N fertilizer application, indicating that N following soybean is less readily released but does later become available.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
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