Phosphorus Fertilization and Phosphorus-Extraction Method Calibration for Sugarcane Soils

摘要

Sugarcane is cultivated on the southern coast of Guatemala in an area of about 180,000 hectares (ha). Soils in this region are derived from volcanic ash with different intemperate grades (i.e., an extreme range of physiochemical properties). They arecharacteristically low in P content and have high P fixation capacity. Currently, fertilization in many sugarcane fields is done with little accuracy and precision. Without a doubt, adequate use of soil analyses for diagnosing P deficiency, crop requirement, and the appropriate fertilizer recommendations is very important if increased productivity and sustainability of sugarcane are to be achieved in the region. Very little work has been done to evaluate or calibrate soil nutrient extraction methods for soil P conditions in local sugarcane soils, Nor has there been much guidance provided to growers on rational fertilization based on optimum economic returns.