Effects of sulphitation press mud and nitrogen fertilizer on biomass, nitrogen economy and plant composition in sugarcane and on soil chemical properties

Abstract

SUMMARYOn a clay loam soil, the cultivar Col 148, planted in spring 1987 at 57560 three-budded setts/ha received 0, 75, 100 and 150 kg N/ha and 0, 10, 20 and 30 t/ha fresh sulphitation press mud either separately or in combined applications, at 80% moisture. Separate applications of up to 150 kg N/ha and up to 30 t press mud/ha increased the cane biomass by 24·6% and 13·2%, respectively, whereas combined application increased it up to 38·1% more than in the control. A N concentration of 1·95–2·12% in the blades of leaves 3·6 from the top of the plant from tillering to the grand growth stage was necessary for maximum dry matter production. Sulphitation press mud enhanced uptake and availability of N and P to the crop and reduced soil pH. Application of 10 t press mud/ha saved 75 kg/ha of fertilizer N.