Sugarcane yield and plant nutrient response to sulfur-amended Everglades histosols

ABSTRACT

High soil pH causes leaf nutrient deficiencies and reduces sugarcane yield. Soil pH in Florida histosols has been increasing as these soils subside and depth to limestone is decreased. A factorial experiment of four sulfur (S) rates and three added calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) levels in soil was designed to determine S-amendment effectiveness in reducing pH and increasing nutrient availability in sugarcane as calcium (Ca) carbonate levels were increased. Sulfur-amendment and increased CaCO₃ level had limited effects on yield and leaf nutrient concentrations during the growing season. Most leaf nutrients were within optimum range except nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). Unexpected increases in Mn concentrations with added CaCO₃ were associated with reducing conditions due to increased soil bulk density. High soil pH caused Mn deficiencies in the plants. Soil pH, P and Mn concentrations were important factors in predicting sugarcane yield.

KEYWORDS:

• Everglades agricultural area
• elemental sulfur
• calcium carbonate
• leaf nutrition concentration
• yield

Funding

We are thankful to Everglades Agricultural Area Environmental Protection District for funding