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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

How do nitrogen fertilization and cover crop influence soil C-N stocks and subsequent yields of sugarcane?

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Author(s):
Tenelli, Sarah [1, 2] ; Otto, Rafael [3] ; Bordonal, Ricardo Oliveira [1] ; Carvalho, Joao Luis Nunes [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Brazilian Ctr Res Energy & Mat, Brazilian Biorenewables Natl Lab, CNPEM, LNBR, Giuseppe Maximo Scolfaro St 10000, BR-13083100 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, UNICAMP, Interdisciplinary PhD Program Bioenergy, Rua Monteiro Lobato 80, BR-13083862 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, USP, Coll Agr Luiz de Queiroz, ESALQ, Dept Soil Sci, Padua Dias Ave 11, BR-13083862 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH; v. 211, JUL 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Sugarcane production for biorenewables demands substantial inputs of nitrogen (N) fertilizer that can lead to environmental consequences, and no clear effect has been reported on soil organic carbon (SOC) and N stocks. The use of a previous legume crops cultivation to add N to soil is a promising strategy to reduce the dependence in synthetic N fertilizer, having an international appeal for sustainable production of bioenergy crops. This study investigates a four-year impact of N fertilization on SOC and N stocks and sugarcane ratoon yields in a sandy and clayey soils, while considering the effects of a legume cover crop cultivated during the renovation period on decreasing N fertilizer requirements. Treatments with N fertilizer rates were arranged in a randomized block design after plant-cane harvest: 60, 120, 180 kg N ha- 1 and control (without N) in two paired areas previously managed with Crotalaria spectabilis and bare fallow. Soil samples for SOC and N stocks were quantified at the beginning of the trial, and measured again along with microbiological attributes after four consecutive years, while sugarcane yield was assessed annually. SOC and N stocks were unaffected by N fertilizer rates, whereas the cultivation of cover crop increased soil N storage and microbial biomass carbon. There was limited responsiveness of sugarcane ratoons to additional N supplied by inorganic fertilizer under cover crop, whereas positive responses occurred under bare fallow. Considering the average of four-harvest yields, cover crop increased sugarcane yield by 9 % (5 Mg ha- 1) at sandy soil and 15 % (16 Mg ha- 1) at clayey soil relative to bare fallow. Cover crop provided an annual N fertilizer replacement of 9 and 15 kg ha- 1 in the sandy and clayey soils. The long-lasting historical effect of cover crop in increasing sugarcane yield per area without the need for extra N from fertilizer opens a new possibility to increase the sustainability and alleviate associated greenhouse gas emissions of sugarcane fields by allowing savings in synthetic N fertilizer. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/05591-0 - Effect of Crotalaria rotation and trash removal in soil N transformations and sugarcane response to N fertilization
Grantee:Rafael Otto
Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Regular Program Grants