Effect of Time of Nitrogen Application on the Sucrose Content of Sugarcane Ratoons

Abstract

Two ratoon crops of P.R. 980 sugarcane were grown on a Vega Baja silty clay at Río Piedras, P.R., with nitrogen applied at different times. The results indicated that: 1. The applications of nitrogen to ratoons 15 weeks or older significantly reduced the sucrose content of the sugarcane when harvested at 12 months of age. 2. Late applications of nitrogen to ratoons, 15 weeks or later, reduced sucrose-percent-cane even when phosphate and potash fertilizers were present. 3. High nitrogen rates, 250 pounds N per acre, caused significant lowering of sucrose in a 3-week-old ratoon.