Agro-industry production of sugarcane grown using subsurface drip fertigation with nitrogen and potassium

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the stalk yield, technological quality parameters, and sugar and alcohol productions in the first sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) crop cycle, according to the response to N and K₂O applications by subsurface drip fertigation. The experiment was carried out in a dystrophic Ultisol, in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of a 2^X + 2X + 1 incomplete factorial arrangement with the application of 60, 80, 120, 160, and 180 kg ha^-1 N and 60, 80, 120, 160, and 180 kg ha^-1 K₂O. The maximum estimated yield (217.5 Mg ha^-1) was obtained with the application of 180 kg ha^-1 N and 60 kg ha^-1 K₂O. Sugar and alcohol productions increased with N application above 120 kg ha^-1. The technological quality characteristics of soluble solids content, apparent sucrose in the juice/broth, apparent sucrose in sugarcane, purity, and fiber show the highest averages with the application of 180 kg ha^-1 N and 60 kg ha^-1 K₂O.