Tropical Cambisol as Affected by Sugarcane (Sacharum officinarum L.) Foam and Inorganic Fertilizer

Abstract

Aim: For promoting an alternative source of nutrients to restore the fertility (pH, carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg)) of agricultural soils affected by long-term cultivation with inorganic fertilizer, the use of sugarcane foam and inorganic fertilizer on a Cambisol was assessed. Design: The study was laid out in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Place and Duration: A study was conducted at Zuenoula in the forest/savanna transition agro-ecosystem of Côte d’Ivoire, during 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons. Methodology: The soil was tilled and the different rates of Foam (0,6,12,18 and 24t/ha) and that (0,150,300,450 and 600kg/ha) NPK+Mg+S (18%-9%-14%-2%-2.5%) were incorporated onto the soil.  Results: Application of sugarcane foam significantly (p< 0.05) enhanced soil contents of C,N,P and slightly of Ca++ but not of K+ and Mg++ with the most increase for 6t/ha                 (C and P) and 18t/ha (N and Ca++) than that induced by 300kg/ha and 600kg/ha NPK according to nutrients. Conclusion: The use of 18t/ha of sugarcane foam applied once for two cropping seasons was the most suitable for improving the quality of soils deficient in  N and P but not for K+ and Mg++ deficient soils, thus this rate was recommended for restoring the fertility of degraded tropical Cambisol