SEASONAL CHANGES IN NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY FOR SULFUR-AMENDED EVERGLADES SOILS UNDER SUGARCANE |
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| Authors: | Rongzhong Ye Alan L Wright J Mabry McCray |
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| Institution: | 1. Soil &2. Water Science Department , University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA;3. Everglades Research &4. Education Center , University of Florida , Belle Glade, Florida, USA |
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| Abstract: | The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of elemental sulfur (S) addition on soil pH and availability of macro- and micronutrients during the sugarcane growing season. Sulfur application did not significantly reduce soil pH when applied at 0 to 448 kg S ha?1 due to the high soil buffering capacity. Water extractable phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) for soils receiving the highest S rate were 188% and 71% higher than for unamended soils only at two months after application, indicating a short-term enhancement of macronutrient availability. Soil amended with 448 kg S ha?1 contained 134% more acetic acid-extractable zinc (Zn) than unamended soil, although stimulatory effects did not extend beyond two months. Sugar yield was not affected by S addition, averaging 17 Mg sugar ha?1. The failure of S to enhance nutrient availability throughout the growing season indicates the limited benefit of applying elemental S to reduce pH and increase nutrient availability to sugarcane. |
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| Keywords: | Everglades Agricultural Area Histosols nutrients sugarcane sulfur |
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