OVERVIEW
- Diammonium phosphate (DAP) is a common phosphorus (P) source used for sugarcane in Florida.
- Adequate availability of sulfur (S) and zinc (Zn) is critical to maximize yield of cane and sugar content.
- MicroEssentials® SZ® contains four nutrients fused into one nutritionally balanced granule, providing uniform nutrient distribution, increased nutrient uptake and season-long sulfur availability.
TRIAL DETAILS
Locations and Crop Management:
Crop: Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)
Years: 2015-2017
Locations: 3 crops (1 plant and 2 ratoon) – Clewiston, FL
Data Source: Field studies conducted by the University of Florida.
Experimental Design: Small-plot RCBD with 4 replications.
Cropping Conditions:
P Rate: 0 (control – no P applied), 50 and 100 lbs P₂O₅/ac applied as DAP and 50 lbs P₂O₅/ac applied as MicroEssentials® SZ®
N and K Rate: As recommended by soil test
Application Method and Timing:
Plant Cane: All P was applied in furrow at planting.
Ratoon Cane: All P was applied as side-dress after harvest.
Results
SUMMARY
- Sugarcane showed good response to P, S and Zn.
- Cumulative cane yield with MicroEssentials® SZ® was 6.4 tons/ac (6.2%) higher than DAP at the 50 lbs P₂O₅/ac rate.
- Cumulative sugar yield with MicroEssentials® SZ® was 0.9 ton/ac (6.2%) higher than DAP at the 50 lbs P₂O₅/ac rate.
- Cane and sugar yields with MicroEssentials® SZ® at the 50 lbs P₂O₅/ac rate were higher than all P rates applied as DAP.
- Higher cane and sugar yields achieved by using MicroEssentials® SZ® demonstrate the features and benefits of uniform nutrient distribution, season-long S availability and increased nutrient uptake.
