• For efficient nitrogen utilization, it is important that soil pH is in balance and adequate P & K are available.
• Recommendations are based on tests where UAN 32% was the primary nitrogen source.
• Recommendations are based on data with the current varieties LCP 85-384, CP 89-2143, HoCP 91-555, Ho 95-988, HoCP 96-540, L 97-128, L99-226, L 99-233, Ho 00-950 and L 01-283. Studies have been conducted on a wide range of soil types at locations throughout the industry.
• Higher-than-needed nitrogen rates may increase tons of cane but also decrease sugar per ton. Recommended nitrogen levels provide sugar-per-acre yields with optimum sugar per ton.
• Apply nitrogen between April 1 and April 30.
• There is an association between rust severity and excess levels of nitrogen.

• Recommendations are based on soil tests.
• Sugarcane utilizes approximately 3 lbs of K₂O per ton of cane.
• Response is more likely in a stubble crop than a plant-cane crop.
• When prices are high, consider applying only when soil test levels are very low or low.

• Recommendations are based on results of soil tests.
• Sugarcane utilizes approximately 1 lb of P₂O₅ per ton of cane with availability dependent upon soil pH & soil type.
• There is an association between rust severity and excess levels of phosphorous.
• When prices are high, consider applying only when soil test levels are very low or low.

• Recommendations are based on results of soil tests.
• Stubble cane is more likely than plant-cane to respond.
• Response is more likely on medium-heavy to heavy-textured soils.
• There is an association between rust severity and excess levels of sulfur.

Zinc

• Apply only if soil tests or tissue analyses indicate deficiencies.

• To improve fertilizer use efficiency by maximizing nutrient availability.
• To supply calcium, an essential plant food nutrient. If magnesium is deficient, use dolomitic limestone.
• To reduce aluminum and manganese toxicity.
• To enhance the activity of soil microorganisms.
• To improve the activity of soil-applied herbicides.
• To decrease the total amount of lime applied, consider variable-rate lime applications.

Lime when:

• Soil pH <5.8 on sandy loam & silt loam soils.
• Soil pH <5.2 on clay loam & clay soils.
• The lime rate should be based on soil test and ideally should raise soil pH to 6.2.
• Broadcast lime to fallow fields or in fall or winter.
• Apply lime after laser leveling.

How Long Will it Take for Lime to Work?

• The biggest change will occur within 3-4 months. The pH may continue to increase for 6-12 months.