Impacts of flooding, nitrogen-fertilization, and soil-depth on sugarcane nutrients grown on Histosols

Abstract

Sustainable production in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is confounded by decreasing soil depth and high annual rainfall. Formerly a sawgrass marsh, Histosols predominate much of the EAA and these soils have frequently flooded following their drainage in the early 20th century. Subsidence has increased inundation frequency as soil depth has decreased to less than 25 cm in many locations. A 2-year lysimeter study was conducted to examine alternative management practices for improved agricultural sustainability given frequent flooding and reduced oxidation rates on Histosols. Specific management factors examined included water-table, soil depth, and nitrogen (N) fertilizer effects on sugarcane leaf nutrient concentrations and soil nutrient cycling. The trial utilized soil depths of 13 and 25 cm, water tables of constant and periodically flooded, and N fertilizer rates of 0 and 168 kg ha−1 year−1. Periodic flooding increased plant uptake of manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), and boron (B). Yield increases associated with additional N indicate a potential need to develop fertilizer rate recommendations for shallow Histosols. Soil depth impacted sugarcane nutrient uptake with 25 cm of soil depth significantly affecting examined leaf nutrient concentrations except iron (Fe). Sugarcane yield may benefit if additional N and potassium (K) are added at rates specific to soil depth. Proximity to bedrock led to excessive calcium (Ca) uptake and low K and Fe DRIS (Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System) values were below recommendations. Data from this study can assist development of precision agricultural practices in the EAA that utilize soil depth.