Alternative potassium sources for sugarcane seedlings development

• Grant number: 15/11838-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2015
• End date: July 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Sergio Pavinato
• Grantee: Aline de Camargo Santos
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Sugarcane is an economic and social crop of great importance in Brazil, given the issue of sustainability, renewable energy, and also the job opportunities and income. As an agricultural commodity, it is necessary crop production viability and be profitable for the farmers, since it is a low cost product. Therefore, the nutritional management can ensure better productivity and input costs, in this way, there is a need for studies of the best dosage and source of nutrient. In this sense, potassium (K) takes various functions such as stomatal opening, enzyme activator, among others. As this nutrient is consumed in large amounts by plants, thus requiring study of the different fertilizers sources available on the market, as well as optimal and suitable doses for this crop. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of sources and doses of potassium fertilizers in sugarcane. This experiment will be conducted in greenhouse in the Soil Science Department of the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture - ESALQ, with sugarcane genotype RB85 5156. The experimental design will be 3x4x2, into randomized blocks, with three potassium sources, four doses and two environments (soil correction), one previously lime corrected and one natural. Plant biometric analysis will be carried out with measuring plant height, stem diameter and number of tillers. From the shoot sample it will be rated the K content in the plant tissue and in soil samples will be evaluated the nutrient content available. After obtaining the data, there will be the interpretation of results and statistical analysis to conclude on the best plant response to the sources and doses of K.