Influence of Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilization on Quality of Sugar of Two Sugarcane Varieties Grown on Three Soil Series of Sudan

摘要

A filed experiment was conducted at the Farm of Northwest Sennar Sugar Company (latitude 13° 33`N and longitude 33° 37`E) to examine the effects of potassium and phosphorous fertilization on the quality of two sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) varieties (Co 6806 and Co 527) and their first ratoons grown on three soil series (Dinder, Hagu and Nasr) of Sudan. Three levels of both potassium (0, 86 and 172 kg K2O ha 1) and phosphorous (TSP) (0, 64.5 and 129 kg P2O5 ha 1.) were used. The quality parameters of both plant cane and ratoons were evaluated in terms of contents of fiber, moisture, sugar content (polarization %), purity of the juice and brix (TSS). The results revealed that potassium and phosphorous fertilizers did not significantly affect the fiber content of the plant cane and the moisture content was significantly affected by potassium fertilization. Phosphorus treatments significantly affected the sugar content (polarization %) and purity of the juice (%). The brix percent of cane decreased by the end of the season as a response to phosphorus treatment, while the ratoon was slightly affected. On the other hand, the effect of potassium application on brix percent was insignificant in both plant cane and ratoon. The effect of variety on brix percent was noted to be significant in both plant cane and ratoon before harvest.