Factors Affecting Phosphorus Nutrition and Fertilizer Use by Sugarcane in South Africa

In the South African sugar industry during the past sixty years considerable research has taken place in the field, laboratory and glasshouse with regard to the phosphorus requirement of sugarcane. Reference is made to the amounts ofP used by sugarcane and to the economics of fertilization. The value of phosphatic fertilizer for cane production is reviewed using available field experimental data. Correlations established between soil and leaf analysis and crop response to P are discussed, as are the effect of P on cane quality and ways of reducing P fertilizer costs. Results of recent glasshouse trials have indicated that on some soils it may be necessary to revise certain features of the current system for making P recommendations.