Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science

Volume 188, Issue 2 pp. 209-219

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Soil Health Assessment of Incorporating Bagasse in a Commercial Sugarcane Production System on Mineral Soils

Nan Xu,

Corresponding Author

Nan Xu

[email protected]

orcid.org/0000-0001-5172-5931

Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Central Point, Oregon, USA

Correspondence: Nan Xu ([email protected])

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Jehangir H. Bhadha,

Jehangir H. Bhadha

Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida, USA

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Abul Rabbany,

Abul Rabbany

Everglades Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida, USA

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Stewart Swanson,

Stewart Swanson

University of Florida, IFAS Extension, LaBelle, Florida, USA

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James M. McCray,

James M. McCray

Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida, USA

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Yuncong Li,

Yuncong Li

Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Homestead, Florida, USA

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Sarah L. Strauss,

Sarah L. Strauss

Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Immokalee, Florida, USA

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Rao S. Mylavarapu,

Rao S. Mylavarapu

Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA

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Nan Xu,

Corresponding Author

Nan Xu

[email protected]

orcid.org/0000-0001-5172-5931

Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Central Point, Oregon, USA

Correspondence: Nan Xu ([email protected])

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Jehangir H. Bhadha,

Jehangir H. Bhadha

Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida, USA

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Abul Rabbany,

Abul Rabbany

Everglades Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida, USA

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Stewart Swanson,

Stewart Swanson

University of Florida, IFAS Extension, LaBelle, Florida, USA

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James M. McCray,

James M. McCray

Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida, USA

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Yuncong Li,

Yuncong Li

Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Homestead, Florida, USA

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Sarah L. Strauss,

Sarah L. Strauss

Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Immokalee, Florida, USA

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Rao S. Mylavarapu,

Rao S. Mylavarapu

Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA

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First published: 28 January 2025

https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.202300355

Academic Editor: Daniele Antichi

Funding: This research was funded by U.S. Sugar Corp. (Grant PRO00015244) and USDA Hatch Project FLA-ERC–005552.

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ABSTRACT

Background

Bagasse is a locally derived sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) by-product, which has the potential to improve the soil health of mineral soils.

Aims

This study aimed to determine the effects of bagasse on the soil health of an Entisol in Southern Florida.

Methods

A field experiment was conducted on a commercial sugarcane production farm for approximately 4 years, where four rates of bagasse, including 5 cm bagasse (85 Mg ha⁻¹), 10 cm bagasse (170 Mg ha⁻¹), 10 cm bagasse (170 Mg ha⁻¹) plus 336 kg ha⁻¹ ammonium nitrate, and one control (no bagasse), were incorporated into 15 cm topsoil. Soil health indicators, including bulk density (BD), water-holding capacity (WHC), soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter (OM), active carbon (C), soil protein, and nutrient contents—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—were evaluated.

Results

A single application of bagasse at 170 Mg ha⁻¹ or 170 Mg ha⁻¹ plus 336 kg ha⁻¹ ammonium nitrate had positive short-term effects on OM accumulation in soils, resulting in higher WHC and lower BD. Bagasse also significantly decreased soil pH, which is good for sugarcane production on alkaline soils. Soil CEC, Mehlich-3 P and K levels, active C, and soil protein enhanced when bagasse was applied at 170 Mg ha⁻¹ or 170 Mg ha⁻¹ plus 336 kg ha⁻¹ ammonium nitrate, which indicated an improvement of the overall soil chemical and biological health status.

Conclusions

10 cm of bagasse (170 Mg ha⁻¹) was recommended as a soil organic amendment for mineral soils in Southern Florida.

Open Research

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Supporting Information

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Volume188, Issue2

April 2025

Pages 209-219

Soil Health Assessment of Incorporating Bagasse in a Commercial Sugarcane Production System on Mineral Soils

ABSTRACT

Background

Aims

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Open Research

Data Availability Statement

Supporting Information

References

References

Information

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Soil Health Assessment of Incorporating Bagasse in a Commercial Sugarcane Production System on Mineral Soils

ABSTRACT

Background

Aims

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Open Research

Data Availability Statement

Supporting Information

References

References

Related

Information