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ISSN printed: 1679-9275
ISSN on-line: 1807-8621
Acta Scientiarum
Doi: 10.4025/actasciagron.v36i3.17791
Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy Maringá, v. 36, n. 3, p. 365-372, July-Sept., 2014
The effect of filter cakes enriched with soluble phosphorus used as
a fertilizer on the sugarcane ratoons
Diego Henriques Santos1*
, Marcelo de Almeida Silva2, Carlos Sérgio Tiritan3 and Carlos
Alexandre Costa Crusciol2
1Companhia de Desenvolvimento Agrícola de São Paulo, Centro de Negócios de Presidente Prudente, Rod. Raposo Tavares, km 564, Presidente
Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil. 2Programa de Pós-graduação em Agricultura, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. 3Centro
de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil. *Author for correspondence. E-mail:
dhenriques@codasp.sp.gov.br
ABSTRACT. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of fertilization with filter cakes
enriched with soluble phosphate on sugarcane ratoons. The experiment was performed from November
2007 to December 2009 at Presidente Prudente, São Paulo State, Brazil, in a completely randomized block
design in a 4 x 4 factorial arrangement, with the first factor consisting of doses of filter cake (0, 1, 2 and
4 Mg ha-1) and the second doses consisting of phosphorus fertilizer (0, 50, 100, 200 kg ha-1 of P2O5) with 4
replicates. The following variables were evaluated: the number of tillers per meter, the leaf area index,
soluble solids (ºBrix), stalk and sugar yield in the second crop cycle. We found a residual effect in the
sugarcane ratoon after applying filter cakes enriched with soluble phosphate in the planting furrow. The
initial tillering, leaf area index, stalk and sugar yield in the cane ratoon benefit from the application of filter
cakes and soluble phosphate in the planting furrow. The best combination is filter cakes at a dose between
1.0 and 2.0 mg ha-1 with 100 to 200 kg ha-1 soluble phosphate applied at planting. This method obtains
higher stalk and sugar yields for sugarcane ratoons.
Keywords: Saccharum spp., organo-mineral fertilizers, triple superphosphate, sugarcane ratoon.
Efeito da torta de filtro associada à fósforo solúvel na soqueira da cana-de-açúcar
RESUMO. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a cana-de-açúcar no ciclo de cana soca em função da
adubação de plantio com torta de filtro enriquecida com fosfato solúvel. O experimento foi realizado entre
novembro de 2007 e dezembro de 2009, em Presidente Prudente, Estado de São Paulo, em blocos ao acaso,
no esquema fatorial 4 x 4, sendo o primeiro fator doses de torta de filtro (0; 1,0; 2,0 e 4,0 t ha-1) e o segundo
doses de fósforo (0, 50, 100, 200 kg ha-1 de P2O5), com 4 repetições. As variáveis avaliadas foram números
de perfilhos por metro, índice de área foliar, sólidos solúveis (ºBrix), produtividade de colmos e de açúcar
no segundo corte. Houve efeito residual no ciclo seguinte da cana-de-açúcar com aplicação de torta de
filtro enriquecida com fosfato solúvel no sulco de plantio. O perfilhamento inicial, o índice de área foliar, a
produtividade de colmos e a de açúcar da cana soca foram beneficiados pela aplicação de torta de filtro e de
fosfato solúvel no sulco de plantio. A melhor associação foi torta de filtro na dose 1,0 e 2,0 t ha-1 com
fosfato solúvel entre 100 e 200 kg ha-1 no sulco de plantio em relação à produtividade de colmos e de açúcar
na cana soca.
Palavras-chave: Saccharum spp., adubação organomineral, superfosfato triplo, cana-soca.
Introduction
As an important macronutrient and structural
component of macromolecules and adenosine
triphosphate, phosphorus is considered an essential
element for plants and is found in low
concentrations in Brazilian soils, which are mostly
characterized as sharply weathered with low cation-
exchange capacity and high anion adsorption
(SANTOS et al., 2010). These conditions provide a
reduction in the saturation condition of bases, with
gradual increases in the retention of anions such as
phosphate, sulfate and molybdate, among others
(BENEDITO et al., 2010). Consequently, the soils
gradually change from being phosphorous sources
to phosphorus sinks.
The presence of phosphorus is necessary for the
synthesis of phosphorylated compounds, and a lack
of this nutrient immediately disturbs plant
metabolism and development (SANTOS et al.,
2010). According to Bastos et al. (2008), when
applying a water-soluble phosphorus to a particular
soil in Brazil, more than 90% of the total amount
applied was already adsorbed in the first hour of
366 Santos et al.
Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy Maringá, v. 36, n. 3, p. 365-372, July-Sept., 2014
contact with the ground. Novais (1980) also
reported that the longer the contact with the soil, the
less available the phosphorus is for plants because of
the soil’s high solubility.
In addition to its benefits in the field,
phosphorus is also of great importance for the
quality of sugarcane. According to Korndörfer
(2004), low-broth-containing P2O5 flocculation is
problematic, and the settling of impurities is poor.
Cloudy juice in sugar production implies lower
quality and is therefore of low commercial value.
Filter cakes are an industrial waste byproduct
composed of a mixture of ground and crushed
sediment and sludge from the sugar clarification
process. For each ton of sugarcane, 30–40 kg of
cakes can be produced. Korndörfer and Anderson
(1997) reported that filter cakes, which contain high
levels of organic matter and phosphorus, are rich in
nitrogen and calcium and contain considerable levels
of potassium, magnesium and micronutrients.
Additionally, they are an excellent product for the
recovery of depleted organic soils or soils of low
fertility. The phosphorus in the filter cake is organic,
and the release of phosphorous and nitrogen takes
place gradually by mineralization and by soil
microorganism activities (TORRES et al., 2012).
Recently, these filter cakes have been applied in
sugarcane fields is for use as fertilizer (SANTOS et al.,
2010, 2012). Many studies have shown the value of
filter cakes for sugarcane nutrition, with substantial
increases in production. Penso et al. (1982) suggested
the possibility of applying a form of filter cakes in
agriculture mixed with phosphates, as the filter cakes
would improve the solubility of these compounds,
rendering the phosphorus more readily available
compared with standard application without filter
cakes. Filter cakes also protect against the leaching away
of phosphorous (BITTENCOURT et al., 2006).
Being an organic material, filter cakes have a high
capacity to retain water at low tensions, and this
property contributes both to increasing the
productivity of sugarcane, especially under non-
irrigated conditions, and to ensuring maximum
budding from plantings made during poor seasons.
This study aimed to evaluate the residual effect
of using fertilizer filter cakes enriched with soluble
phosphate in furrows on the tillering, leaf area index
and productivity of sugarcane ratoons. Because
typical sources of phosphorus have low efficiencies
in tropical soils, our hypothesis was that the mixture
of filter cakes with a phosphate source would
improve the plant’s utilization of phosphorus; in
other words, a carrier was tested that protects
organic phosphorus fixation and ensures its
absorption by plants over a long period of time.
Material and methods
The experiment was conducted under field
conditions at the experimental field of Universidade
do Oeste Paulista (Unoeste), located at 51°26'00"
longitude and 22°07'30" latitude at an altitude of 433
meters, in the city of Presidente Prudente, São Paulo
State, from November 2007 to December 2009. The
climate, according to Köppen, is Cwa, meaning that
it is tropical with a well-defined hot, rainy season
between the months of September and March.
Additionally, the study area has a dry winter with
mild temperatures during the months of April to
September.
The soil of the study area has been characterized
by Embrapa (2006) as typic dystrophic Argisoil
(Rhodustults-PVd) and is wavy with good drainage.
Samples were collected to characterize the soil’s
chemistry and the grain sizes at the 0-20 and 20-40
cm layers. The respective results as follows: pH 5.9
and 5.2 (CaCl2 1 mol L-1); 18 and 11 g dm-3 of OM;
16 and 7 mg dm-3 of Presin; 2.7 and 3.6 cmolc dm-3 of
H+Al; 0.1 and 0.1 cmolc dm-3 of K; 3.8 and 2.0
cmolc dm-3 of Ca; 1.2 and 6.0 cmolc dm-3 of Mg; 5.2
and 2.7 cmolc dm-3 of SB (sum of bases); 6.9 and 6.3
cmolc dm-3 of CEC (cation exchange capacity); 74
and 43% base saturation (V); 740 and 760 g kg-1
sand; 80 and 30 g kg-1 silt; and 180 and 210 g kg-1
clay.
The filter cake was obtained from Destilaria
Alvorada do Oeste, Santo Anastácio, São Paulo State,
with a 34.85% dry weight according to a moisture
content analysis by the Laboratory of Plant Tissue at
Unoeste. The filter cake was then air dried for six
days to achieve 80% dry matter. The results of an
analysis of the organic fertilizer made by the
Laboratory of Soil at Unoeste for the filter cake used
in the experiment showed the following values,
expressed as dry matter: pH 5.4 (CaCl2 1 mol L-1);
70.70% lost moisture at 65°C; 57.25% of OM; 9.5 g
kg-1 of N; 3.3 g kg-1 of P; 4.6 g kg-1 of K; 9.1 g kg-1 of
Ca; 2.5 g kg-1 of Mg; 7.2 g kg-1 of S; 124 mg kg-1 of
Cu; 758 mg kg-1 of Mn; 282 mg kg-1 of Zn; and
23808 mg kg-1 of Fe.
We performed conventional tillage with plowing
and harrowing before planting. The minimum
fertilization at planting was performed according to
Raij et al. (1997) and consisted of 30 kg ha-1 of N
(66.7 kg ha-1 of urea) and 100 kg ha-1 of K2O (166 kg
ha-1 of potassium chloride), with varying doses of P
and filter cake in a randomized pattern.
Furrowing was conducted in the experimental
area in November, 2007. Mixing of the fertilizer
with the filter cake was performed with the aid of a
mixer. The mixture was then evenly distributed
Filter cake on the sugarcane ratoons 367
Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy Maringá, v. 36, n. 3, p. 365-372, July-Sept., 2014
along the furrows of each plot; planting was then
performed in the conventional manner, adopting the
sugar-year system. The sugarcane variety used was
RB867515, based on the regional recommendation.
At 60 days after planting, nitrogen application was
performed with 100 kg ha-1 urea, following the
recommendation of Raij et al. (1997).
Each plot consisted of 5 rows that were 5 m in
length and were spaced 1.50 m apart. We configured
the experimental design in a randomized complete
block in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme, where the first
variable consisted of levels of filter cake (0, 1, 2 and
4 Mg ha-1) and the second variable was phosphorus
levels (0, 50, 100, 200 kg P2O5 ha-1). There were four
repetitions, totaling 64 plots. For the purpose of
evaluation, the three central lines of each plot were
considered useful.
In November 2008, we performed a manual cut
allowing new sprouting. Nitrogen application (with
100 kg ha-1 urea) was repeated 60 days after
regrowth. The number of tillers per meter was
estimated by counting within four feet along each
line of a useful plot at 90, 120 and 360 days after the
first cut. Counting was performed until 120 days,
which is considered the limiting period for intense
sugarcane tillering, which in turn is characterized by
growth and profuse branching. After this stage, there
is intense competition between tillers for light,
water, nutrients and space, leading to decreased
downtime (SILVA et al., 2008).
To determine the leaf area, we adopted the
methodology described by Hermann and Câmara
(1999) in a meter of furrow per plot at 120, 180, 240
and 330 days after regrowth. Knowing the average
leaf area (LA) of each plant per plot, the leaf area
index (LAI) was determined according to the
equation: LAI = MLF/Asoil, where MLF is the mean
leaf area of a plant (cm2) and Asoil is the land area
occupied by the plant.
The soluble solids content (°Brix) was
determined in samples of broth prepared from five
stem portions collected using a punch and read in a
field refractometer (Atago, Master-α model, Tóquio,
Japan).
In December 2009, the plots were harvested for
the evaluation of manual production components
and to estimate determinants of agricultural
potential. Five consecutive stalks in each row were
sampled to determine the following: stem height,
measured from the stem base to the insertion of leaf
3; the average diameter of the stem, measured with
calipers in the middle of the internode at the point
given by one-third the length of the stem and the
mass of the clipped stems. The number of stems in a
plot was estimated by counting the number of stalks
of all the lines. According to Landell and Silva
(2004), if the stem density equals 1, then the cane
production per hectare (TCH) can be estimated
according to the following equation:
TCH = (d2 x C x h x 0,007854)/E
where d is the average diameter of the stem (cm), C
is the number of tillers per meter, h is the average
stem height (cm) and E is the spacing between the
grooves, in this case 1.5 m. We obtained the sugar
productivity (TPH) by multiplying the stalk yield
(TCH) times the concentration of sucrose (in sugar)
for each parcel divided by 100.
The data were subjected to analysis of variance
and regression analysis by F test at a 5% probability.
Results and discussion
There was a significant effect of variable cake
doses at planting in relation to tillering of the
sugarcane during the first ratoon regrowth. The
dose of phosphate at the time of planting, the days
after regrowth and the interactions of phosphate
multiplied by number of days, filter cake multiplied
by number of days, and filter cake multiplied by
amount of phosphate multiplied by number of days
also showed significant effects. In contrast, the filter
cake multiplied by degree of phosphate interaction
showed no significant effect (Table 1).
Table 1. F values of variance analysis and regression for tillering
and leaf area index (LAI) of sugar cane after regrowth, due to
mixtures of doses of filter cake with doses of soluble phosphate
applied in the furrows of planting.
Causes of variation Tillering LAI
Doses of Filter Cake 14.895** 17.050**
Doses of Phosphate 3.622* 0.771 ns
Days after planting 427.726** 136.240**
Cake x Phosphate 1.825 ns 1.287 ns
Cake x Days 6.542** 2.176*
Phosphate x Days 2.352* 0.754 ns
Cake x Phosphate x Days 1.776* 0.556 ns
CV (%) 7.55 14.37
The following averages for the same letter in the line do not differ for the test of Tukey
to 5% of probability. * and ** significant at the 5 and 1% level of probability,
respectively. ns: not significant.
Through the unfolding of the interactions,
positive effects of filter cake dose and soluble P2O5
level applied to the planting furrows were found on
the variable tillering during the days after regrowth
(Figure 1). At both 90 and 120 days after regrowth,
an increase in tillering was noted with the increase
of filter cake and phosphate applied at planting.
The greatest tillering at both times was observed,
with a significant quadratic effect at a 5%
368 Santos et al.
Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy Maringá, v. 36, n. 3, p. 365-372, July-Sept., 2014
probability, when the application was 4.0 ton ha-1
filter cake with 200 kg P2O5 ha-1 (Figure 1D). After
360 days, however, there was a reduced number of
tillers per meter of furrow in all treatments, with
better responses obtained by the application of
2.0 ton ha-1 filter cake without the associated
phosphate (Figure 1A).
Therefore, there was a beneficial residual effect
of the association between filter cake and soluble
phosphate upon tillering until four months after
sprouting of the following ratoons. One of the
reasons for this benefit would be the optimized use
of phosphorus by the plant provided by the filter
cake. According to Malavolta (2006), phosphorus
increases the tendency of the grass to promote root
growth, thus promoting the absorption of water and
nutrients. Korndörfer and Alcarde (1992), studying
the effects of phosphorus on the growth of
sugarcane, found that this element resulted in
increased tillering, leading to higher crop yields.
Silva et al. (2007) reported that good tillering,
reflected in increased productivity, has other
desirable characteristics, such as greater protection
by ground shading, reduced levels of weed
competition and, consequently, reduced cost of
production.
Significant effects in the leaf area index (LAI)
were observed at a 1% probability level for the
factors filter cake and days after regrowth and at a
5% probability level for the interaction of filter
cake multiplied by number of days. No significant
effects were found for the factors phosphate dose
of, filter cake multiplied by phosphate, phosphate
multiplied by number of days and filter cake
multiplied by phosphate multiplied by number of
days (Table 1).
Δ 90 days y = 0.3423x + 17.196 R
2
= 0.6776 ns
□120 days y = 0.6234x + 17.094 R
2
= 0.987 ns
○360 days y = -0.276x + 13.438 R
2
= 0.1633 ns
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
01234
Δ 90 days y = 0.4806x + 17.174 R
2
= 0.8016 ns
□120 days y = 0.4286x + 18.42 R
2
= 0.9893 ns
○360 days y = -0.0257x + 13.26 R
2
= 0.0014 ns
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
01234
Tillers number per meter of furrow
Filter cake in the planting furrow (t ha
-1
)
Δ 90 days y = 0.3736x
2
- 0.7916x + 18.061 R
2
= 0.9827 *
□120 days y = 0.4145x
2
- 1.2725x + 19.483 R
2
= 0.9942 *
○360 days y = -0.4852x
2
+ 2.1682x + 11.216 R
2
= 0.9589 **
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
01234
Filter cake in the planting furrow (t ha
-1
)
Δ 90 days y = 0.4963x + 17.104 R
2
= 0.8219 ns
□120 days y = 0.9946x + 16.132 R
2
= 0.8177 **
○360 days y = -0.523x
2
+ 2. 562x + 1 0.902 R
2
= 0.7129 **
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
01234
Tillers number per meter of furrow
Figure 1. Tillering of sugar cane at 90 (∆), 120 (□) and 360 (○) days after the first cut because of mixed doses of filter cake with 0 (A), 50
(B), 100 (C) and 200 (D) kg ha-1 of the P2O5 applied in the planting furrows. * and ** significant at the 5 and 1% level of probability,
respectively. ns: not significant. (Presidente Prudente, São Paulo State, 2009).
A B
C D
(Mg ha-1) (Mg ha-1)
Filter cake on the sugarcane ratoons 369
Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy Maringá, v. 36, n. 3, p. 365-372, July-Sept., 2014
The regression of the variable LAI due to the
filter cake dose applied at planting mixed with
soluble P2O5 (Figure 2) showed a higher LAI
120 days after regrowth at doses of 0 and 50 kg ha-1
P2O5, which is associated with 2 ton ha-1 filter cake
with a quadratic effect at a 1% probability (Figure 2A
and B). After 180 days of regrowth, there was no
significant effect (Figure 2). At 240 days after
regrowth, the highest LAI of the entire period,
represented by a quadratic effect at a 5% probability,
was observed in the 2 ton ha-1 filter cake with 50 kg
ha-1 of associated P2O5 (Figure 2B). At the end of the
assessment period (330 days), only the dose of
100 kg ha-1 P2O5 showed a significant quadratic
effect at a 5% probability (Figure 2C), with higher
values of LAI observed in association with the
2 ton ha-1 filter cake.
Therefore, the LAI clearly increased up to
240 days after sprouting and then declined through
330 days to values lower than those observed at
240 days. This phase coincides with the ripening of
the cane sugar, so this reduction in LAI is
understandable, considering the fact that with
maturity and increasing senescence of the lower
leaves, the trend is toward a decreased leaf floor
area (ALMEIDA et al., 2008). During this period,
the productive potential of the plant has already
formed and, therefore, does not interfere with the
crop yield.
The optimal use of solar radiation in
photosynthetic processes is dependent on further
development of the leaves, and the higher the
photosynthetic rate, the higher the yield. Therefore,
the results are promising because they indicate that
the application of filter cake and soluble phosphate
in the grooves at planting may improve the final
production of stems in the next culture cycle.
The results of the analysis of variance showed
that significant effects on sugarcane yield (TCH)
and sugar (TPH) from the sugarcane ratoon were
conferred by the levels of filter cake and phosphate
applied at planting. However, there were significant
effects of the filter cake multiplied by the phosphate
interaction on these variables (Table 2). In the case
of the soluble solids (ºBrix) in the juice from the
cane field’s ratoons, there was no effect of any of the
factors or of the interaction of filter cake multiplied
by phosphate.
Δ 120 days y = -0.4118x
2
+ 2.1198x + 2.7424 R
2
= 0.9998 **
□180 days y = 0.1629x + 4.74 R
2
= 0.1853 ns
○240 days y = 0.1026x + 6.748 R
2
= 0.4441 ns
▲330 days y = 0.2437x + 5.346 R
2
= 0.7878 ns
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
01234
LAI -Leaf area index
Δ 120 days y = -0.3048x
2
+ 1.7998x + 2.8405 R
2
= 0. 9612 **
□180 days y = 0.1386x + 4.85 R
2
= 0.2328 ns
○240 days y = -0.2543x
2
+ 1.2233x + 6.0394 R
2
= 0.8793 *
▲330 days y = 0.1497x + 5.808 R
2
= 0.3996 ns
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
01234
Δ 120 days y = 0.39x + 4.02 R
2
= 0.688 ns
□180 days y = 0.036x + 4.852 R
2
= 0.0195 ns
○240 days y = 0.0209x + 6.696 R
2
= 0.0082 ns
▲330 days y = -0.2739x
2
+ 1.2189x + 5.4923 R
2
= 0.6899 *
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
01234
LAI -Leaf area index
Filter cake in the planting furrow (t ha
-1
)
Δ 120 days y = 0.3023x + 4.106 R
2
= 0.6891 ns
□180 days y = 0.0497x + 4.998 R
2
= 0.2246 ns
○240 days y = 0.1037x + 6.676 R
2
= 0.1427 ns
▲330 days y = 0.1334x + 5.974 R
2
= 0.2919 ns
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
01234
Filter cake in the planting furrow (t ha
-1
)
Figure 2. Leaf area index (LAI) at 120 (∆), 180 (□), 240 (○) and 330 (▲) days of regrowth, due to mixtures of filter cake doses with 0 (A),
50 (B), 100 (C) and 200 (D) kg ha-1 of the P2O5 applied in the planting furrows. * and ** significant at the 5 and 1% level of probability,
respectively. ns: not significant. (Presidente Prudente, São Paulo State, 2009).
A B
C D
(Mg ha-1) (Mg ha-1)
370 Santos et al.
Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy Maringá, v. 36, n. 3, p. 365-372, July-Sept., 2014
Table 2. F values calculated by analysis of variance and average
stalk yield (TCH), sugar yield (TPH) yield and oBrix, because
doses of mixtures of soluble phosphate with doses of filter cake
applied in the planting furrows.
Causes of variation TCH TPH Brix
F
Doses of Filter Cake 3.41 * 3.36 * 0.63 ns
Doses of Phosphate 5.01 ** 3.49 * 0.55 ns
Cake x Phosphate 1.50 ns 1.50 ns 0.55 ns
Doses of Cake (Mg ha-1)
0.0 62.80 b 12.56 b 18.68
1.0 77.58 a 15.68 a 18.29
2.0 66.12 ab 13.31 ab 18.51
4.0 65.63 ab 12.50 b 18.43
Phosphate (kg ha-1)
0 60.11 b 12.01 c 18.38
50 62.63 b 12.40 bc 18.60
100 72.80 ab 14.68 ab 18.62
200 76.61 a 14.96 a 18.32
CV (%) 20.81 24.11 4.47
The following averages for the same letter in the line do not differ for the test of Tukey
to 5% of probability. *and **significant at the 5 and 1% level of probability,
respectively. ns: not significant.
In terms of levels of filter cake, the largest
sugarcane ratoon TCH, 77.58 ton ha-1, was obtained
with the application of 1.0 ton ha-1 in the furrow.
There were no significant differences between
treatments with 2.0 and 4.0 ton ha-1 filter cake, but
all yields were superior to the treatment with 0 ton ha-1
filter cake. With respect to doses of phosphate, the
highest TCH was observed with the application of
200 kg ha-1, but no significant difference was seen
with the dose of 100 kg ha-1. The 0 and 50 kg ha-1
levels gave the lowest cane yields from ratoons.
The highest sugar yield (TPH) in the ratoon
sugarcane, 15.68 ton ha-1, was observed in the
application of 1.0 ton ha-1 filter cake; this value did
not differ significantly from the TPH obtained with
a dose of 2.0 ton ha-1. The highest TPHs (of 14.96
and 14.68 ton ha-1) were found with applications of
200 and 100 kg ha-1 phosphate, respectively. The
increase in sugar yield was a reflection of the
positive influence of the filter cake treatment and of
increased phosphate on TCH, as this is a result of
both sugarcane yield and sucrose concentration.
Penatti and Boni (1989) worked with increasing
doses of filter cake (0, 3, 6 and 9 ton ha-1 at planting)
with and without mineral fertilizer top dressing with
nitrogen and potassium. Their results showed a
positive response in the productivity of plants and
ratoon cane with increasing doses of filter cake, but
they did not show any effects of mineral fertilization
on yield coverage. Fravet et al. (2010), in an
experiment conducted on a Typic yellow soil in the
municipality of Goianésia, Goiás State, also reported
that sugarcane yield per hectare (TCH), as well as
sucrose per hectare (TPH), increased as the filter
cake doses increased. Likewise, Neto et al. (2009),
reported an experiment conducted at Jaboticabal -
São Paulo State, Brazil, noted that sugarcane and
sugar yields were higher when this residue was used
and supplemented with mineral springs. Demattê
(2005), in turn, evaluated sugarcane yield in ratoon
cane against different doses of P2O5 (100, 200 and
400 kg ha-1) and saw no significant differences
between different doses.
According to Torres et al. (2012), the release of
phosphorus present in the filter cake to the ground
is gradual, providing residual phosphorus for an
average of two to three cuts, depending on the
climate and location. In the study of Nunes Jr.
(2008) in tropical climates, the filter cake remained
for two years, and in warmer climates, such as the
States of São Paulo and Paraná, the filter cake could
act in the soil for three years.
These positive results in relation to the
production of stalks and sugar are due to the organic
material in the filter cake playing an important role
in improving soil fertility and its physical properties,
which must have remained for the following crop
year, conferring beneficial effects on the ratoon
sugarcane. According to Alleoni and Beauclair
(1995), the organic matter in filter cake increases the
water retention capacity of the soil because it is
hygroscopic and able to retain water up to six times
its own weight. By further reducing the density of
the soil and increasing its porosity, the filter cake
forms aggregates that are capable of reducing erosion
and increasing the absorptive capacity of the soil.
Additionally, filter cake supplementation can
increase the soil’s cationic exchange capacity due to
the action of the humic colloidal micelles in the
clays. Filter cake application also increases the levels
of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur from the
decomposition and mineralization of organic matter
and promotes the reduction of setting phosphorus
iron and aluminum oxides, blocking these minerals’
attachment sites with organic radicals.
According to Rossetto et al. (2008), the use of
this residue on sugarcane crops increases
productivity by providing organic matter,
phosphorus, calcium and other nutrients. The most
efficient use of the filter cake is to apply it at
planting, when the water contained in the filter cake
promotes sprouting of the sugarcane and the
phosphorus to be mineralized is close to the roots in
training. Santos et al. (2010) also observed the
increased production of stalks. However, the cane
plant, supplemented with a filter cake in which the
dose of 4.0 ton ha-1 was associated with different
doses of soluble phosphorus, gave yields ranging
from approximately 100 to 150 ton ha-1 stalk. Our
results demonstrate the potential of filter cakes to
confer beneficial effects on soil fertility for the
production of stems from one year to another.
Filter cake on the sugarcane ratoons 371
Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy Maringá, v. 36, n. 3, p. 365-372, July-Sept., 2014
Although phosphorus actively participates in the
formation of sucrose, other studies with phosphorus
fertilization in the culture of sugarcane showed no
positive responses compared with sucrose, even in
plant cane (KORNDÖRFER; MELO, 2009; LIMA
et al., 2006). Contrary to the observations made in
this work, however, Santos et al. (2011) observed
positive effects on the values of °Brix from the juice
of cane plants with increasing doses of phosphorus,
either via the filter cake, phosphate or the interaction
between the two sources.
Conclusion
There are significant effects on the subsequent
sugarcane cycle cultivation after applying filter cake
associated with soluble phosphate in the furrows.
The initial tillering, leaf area index, sugarcane
yield and productivity of sugarcane ratoon crops all
benefit from the application of filter cake and
soluble phosphate at the time of planting.
The best combination for the productivity of
stalks and sugarcane ratoons was to apply filter cake
at the time of planting at a dose between 1.0 and
2.0 ton ha-1, with soluble phosphate between 100
and 200 kg ha-1.
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Received on July 2, 2012.
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