Predicting the effective timing of sugarcane nitrogen fertilization based on ten-year weekly growth analysis

Abstract

Nitrogen is a fundamental macronutrient for sugarcane cultivation, critically influencing physiological processes and biomass accumulation, despite comprising only approximately one percent of the plant’s dry weight at maturity. In the Imam Khomeini Agro-Industry complex, located in the Shuaibiya region of Khuzestan, Iran, nitrogen fertilization is applied in four split doses from April to July to improve efficiency and mitigate environmental impacts. This study in the 2022-2023 crop year in the Shuaibieh region of Khuzestan Province, Iran aimed to determine the optimal timing of nitrogen application stages based on nitrogen uptake and growth response in commercial sugarcane cultivars. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using crop logging data collected over a ten-year period, with a focus on average weekly growth trends for both plant cane (P) and Ratoon cane (R). The results identified specific growth stages during which nitrogen application had the most significant impact on plant development and productivity for each cultivar and crop age. These findings provide a practical and data-driven basis for optimizing nitrogen fertilization schedules, enhancing nitrogen use efficiency, and promoting sustainable sugarcane farming practices in the region.