Effects of organic fertilizer from sugar factory by-product on yield, yield components of sugarcane and soil properties

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of organic fertilizer (OF) from sugar factory by-product on yield, yield components of sugarcane var. Khon Kaen 3 and some soil properties. Experimental design was randomized complete block (RCBD) consisting of 9 treatments. The study revealed that the OF application of 300 kg/rai in combination with chemical fertilizers containing all major elements equivalent to 300 kg/rai of the OF effected on the highest of fresh yield, numbers of stalk, weight/stalk, CCS, sugar yield and concentrations of N, P, K in stalk which was not different from the applications of chemical fertilizers containing all major elements equivalent to 600 kg/rai of the OF. After experiment, it was found that the OF application of 600 kg/rai resulted in the lowest soil pH which was not different from the OF application of 300 kg/rai in combination with chemical fertilizers containing all major elements equivalent to 300 kg/rai of the OF. Furthermore, the OF application of 600 kg/rai effected on the highest ECe and exchangeable K of soil which was not different from the OF application of 300 kg/rai in combination with chemical fertilizers containing all major elements equivalent to 300 kg/rai of the OF. While, the OF application of 600 kg/rai effected on the highest of organic matter, available P and available water capacity (AWCA) of soil, followed by that the OF application of 300 kg/rai in combination with chemical fertilizers containing all major elements equivalent to 300 kg/rai of the OF.