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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Canal Point, Florida » Sugarcane Field Station » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #180194
Title: SUGARCANE RESPONSE TO WATER TABLE, PERIODIC FLOOD, AND FOLIAR NITROGEN ON ORGANIC SOIL

Author
item Glaz, Barry
item GILBERT, ROBERT - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Submitted to: Sugar Journal
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2005
Publication Date: 6/1/2005
Citation: Glaz, B., Gilbert, R.A. 2005. Sugarcane response to water table, periodic flood, and foliar nitrogen on organic soil. Sugar Journal. 68(1):17

Interpretive Summary: None

Technical Abstract: Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is exposed to periodic floods and high water tables in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) of Florida. Learning sugarcane responses to these conditions will help sustain and improve yields. This study evaluated the effects of three constant water-table depths, periodic floods, and foliar N fertilization on cane and sugar yields of two sugarcane cultivars. In 2001 and 2002, two foliar N and four water treatments were applied to the plant- and first-ratoon crops of cultivars CP 72-2086 and CP 80-1827 in lysimeters filled with Pahokee muck soil. Constant target water-table depths were 23, 37, and 51 cm. A fourth treatment was flooded for 2 days in each of eight 14-day cycles per year, and otherwise drained to a target depth of 44 cm. No consistent effects of foliar N were identified. Over cultivars and crop years, for every cm increase in water-table depth, theoretical recoverable sucrose decreased by 0.13 g per kg, and cane and sucrose yields increased by 0.16 and 0.02 kg per m squared, respectively. However, water-table did not affect CP 80-1827 in either crop year or CP 72-2086 in the plant crop. Cane and sugar yields of CP 72-2086 increased by 0.38 and 0.04 kg per m squared, respectively, with each cm increase in water-table depth in the first-ratoon crop. Repeated 2-d floods often increased yields of both cultivars. After heavy rains, allowing floods to remain for 2 days may improve yields and reduce P discharge to the Everglades.