Can alternative N-fertilization methods influence GHG emissions and biomass production in sugarcane fields?

Author(s):Show less -

Borges, Clovis D. ^[1] ; Carvalho, Joao Luis N. ^[1] ; Kolln, Oriel T. ^[1] ; Sanches, Guilherme M. ^[1] ; Silva, Marcelo J. ^[2] ; Castro, Sergio G. Q. ^[1] ; Castro, Saulo A. Q. ^[3] ; Sousa, Luara L. ^[1] ; Oliveira, Juliana V. C. ^[1] ; Cantarella, Heitor ^[4] ; Vargas, Vitor P. ^[5] ; Tsai, Siu M. ^[6] ; Franco, Henrique C. J. ^{[1, 7]}

Affiliation

^[1] Natl Ctr Res Energy & Mat, Brazilian Bioethanol Sci & Technol Lab CTBE, Polo Alta Tecnol II, Rua Giuseppe Maximo Scolfaro 10000, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Parana, Agr Engn, Rua Dr Joao Maximiano 426, BR-86900000 Jandaia Do Sul, Parana - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, ESALQ, Dept Soil Sci, CP 09, BR-13418900 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[4] Agron Inst Campinas, Soil & Environm Resources Ctr, CP 28, BR-13020902 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[5] SLC Agr, BR-90620010 Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil

^[6] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Nucl Energy Agr, Av Centenario 303, BR-13400970 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[7] Cropman Inovacao Agr, Av Jose Rocha Bonfim 214, BR-13080650 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIOMASS & BIOENERGY; v. 120, p. 21-27, JAN 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of different N fertilizer application methods on N2O and CH4 emissions and on sugarcane biomass yields over two successive growing seasons. Treatments included three methods of N fertilizer (120 kg ha(-1) N) application: 1) above the straw layer; 2) below the straw layer; 3) incorporated into the soil (at 0.1-m soil depth) below the straw layer; and 4) no N application (control). Sugarcane yield for the above straw treatment was, on average, 12% and 15% lower than below the straw and incorporated into the soil, respectively. Emissions of CH4 were very low and unaffected by N fertilizer placement. The method and timing of N application influenced N2O emissions. For both years, higher N2O emissions were observed from the above straw, followed by below straw and incorporated treatments. Except for the above straw treatment during the wet season, the N2O emission factors ranged from 0.08 to 0.62 and were lower than the IPCC default value (1%). The intensity of N2O emissions was, on average, 7.45, 3.97 and 3.3 kg CO(2)eq Mg stalk(-1) for N applied above straw, below straw and incorporated into the soil, respectively. Changes in the N fertilizer placement method and on the timing of application can significantly reduce GHG emissions during sugarcane production, making a significant contribution toward a cleaner production of sugarcane ethanol. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/23186-8 - N2O emission from soil associated to nitrogen fertilized application methods in sugarcane ratoon
• Grantee: Henrique Coutinho Junqueira Franco
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/21893-9 - N2O production in soil cultivated sugarcane: influence of abundance and microbial composition
• Grantee: Clovis Daniel Borges
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral