Effect of filter cake and nitrogen fertilizer (Urea) on yield of sugarcane at Wonji-Shoa Sugar Estate

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1 Scholarly Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 5(4), pp April, 2015 Available online at ISSN Scholarly-Journals Full Length Research Paper Effect of filter cake and nitrogen fertilizer (Urea) on yield of sugarcane at Wonji-Shoa Sugar Estate Girma Abejehu Sugarcane Nutritionist, Sugar Corporation, Research and Training Directorate, Wonji, P.O.Box Accepted 20 April, 2015 A study was conducted at Wonji-Shoa, sugar estate, Ethiopia, to determine the optimum rates of filter cake and nitrogen fertilizer for sugarcane production. The effect of five levels of filter cake (0, 30, 60, 90, 120t ha -1 ) in factorial combination with four levels of N (0, 46, 92, 138 kg ha -1 as Urea) was studied in randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment was executed on two soil types (ie, light soil and clay soil types). The results of the experiment indicated that the main effect of filter cake and the interaction effect of filter cake by mineral fertilizer were highly significant (P 0.01) both for cane and sugar yields; while the main effect of mineral fertilizer was not significant (P 0.05). Application of filter cake highly improved nutritional quality of soils especially that of phosphorous status in soils and this could be an important benefit mainly in view of ensuring sustainability productivity of sugarcane fields that are under continuous production system. Combined applications of filter cake and nitrogen fertilizer highly improved cane and sugar yields on both soil types. Values of net return and cost-benefit analysis of adjusted sugar yield indicated that 30t filter cake ha -1 applied with 46kg N ha -1 and 60filter cake ha -1 applied with 46kg N ha-1 were found economically viable treatment combinations compared to others. Thus based on sugar yield response, cost benefit analysis result and residual effect of filter cake on soil properties, 30t filter cake ha -1 was recommended to be applied with 46kg N ha -1 (100kg urea ha -1 ) regardless of soil types. Key words: Filter cake, nitrogen fertilizer, sugar yield, net return, cost-benefit analysis. INTRODUCTION Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is an important industrial crop cultivated in different parts of the world mainly for plantation white sugar. The yield of sugarcane is greatly affected by different factors among which nutrient elements are the major ones (Kakde, 1985). Hence proper nutrient management is an important aspect for achieving maximum yield in sugarcane production. The available literatures indicate that sugarcane is a heavy feeder of nutrients (Kakde, 1985; Faucconnier, 1993; Sundara, 2000). Hence to meet nutrient requirements of the crop and achieve higher yields, fertilizers are commonly applied in sugarcane production. Use of mineral fertilizers alone as a source of nutrients, however, could not ensure sustainable productivity of soils and higher yields. Especially in soils which are low organic matter contents, fertilizers cannot have their full beneficial effects on crop yields (Incle, et al., 1999; FAO, 2000; Gustafson, 2007). Thus combined use of organic materials and mineral fertilizers can be an important option if productivity of soils is to be maintained at a desirable level. Organic additions are known to improve both physical properties and chemical fertility of soils (Van Erp and Van Dijk; 1982, Ahenkorah, et al., 1993; Lal and Nor, 1994; Shakweer et al., 1998; Sundara, 2000; Kaur, et al., 2007; Tangkoonboribun, et al., 2007). Studies carried out in Ethiopia (ie, at Holeta, Bako and Awassa) also indicated that combined use of organic materials and mineral fertilizers resulted in increased grain yield of cereals (Taye Bekele, 1996). Likewise different reports (Korndofer and Anderson, 1997; Morris, et al., 2007) indicate that combined use of filter cake with

2 Scholarly J. Agric. Sci. 148 mineral fertilizers had beneficial effect on sugar yield compared to use of mineral fertilizers alone. At Wonji-Shoa Sugar Estate, filter cake is produced each year at large quantities during sugar processing. The available literature (Chang Yen et al, 1983; Blackburn, 1984; Kakde, 1985; Facunnier, 1993; Korndorfer and Anderson, 1997), indicate that filter cake is a good source of organic matter and plant nutrients mainly phosphorous, and others such as nitrogen, calcium, sulphur and micronutrients. Because of its high organic matter content, filter cake is also known to have beneficial effect on soil physical properties (aeration and drainage on clay soils, and moisture and nutrient retention capacity on sandy soils) (Sundrara, 2000). From environmental point of view, it is known to have no side effects when applied to farm lands especially after two to three months of curing (Korndofer and Anderson, 1997; Sundara, 2000). Filter cake has been used by Wonji-Shoa sugar estate for agricultural purpose since long time. However, limited information is available on the optimum amount to be applied to cane fields. Today since cost of mineral fertilizers is increasing at an alarming rate on one hand and there is a high need to improve productivity of cane fields on the other, effective use of such locally available and valuable by-product becomes critically important. Therefore, this study was conducted with the major objective to determine optimum rates of filter cake and nitrogen for sugarcane production. MATERIALS AND METHODS Site Description The study was conducted at Wonji-Shoa sugar estate which is located in the upper Awash River basin, at about 112 km east of Addis Ababa. The estate lies within the general boundaries of 8 o 31 N latitude and 39 o 32 E longitude and it is situated at elevation of 1540m above sea level. The mean maximum and minimum temperatures of the area are about 27.6 o C and 15.2 o C, respectively, and it receives about mm rainfall annually. Based on moisture retention properties and texture, soils of Wonji-Shoa sugar estate are categorized into two soil types (ie, light soil and clay soil). The sugar estate uses furrow irrigation method to supply water for sugarcane. Treatments and Experimental Design The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in factorial arrangement of the treatments. Filter cake rates were 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120t ha -1 and nitrogen rates include 0, 46, 92, and 138kg ha -1. The source of nitrogen was Urea. The experiment was executed on two major soil types (ie, light and clay soil types) and the plot size used was 52.2 m 2 (6 furrows of 6 m long and 1.45 m wide each). Filter cake treatments (at air dry condition, ie, at moisture content of 30%) were applied manually in the furrows and on ridge sides immediately after furrowing activity. The treatments were incorporated with soil manually using forks. To prevent mixing of treatments between plots during pre-planting irrigation and early irrigations after planting, each plot was irrigated by closing furrow ends. Test sugar cane variety was NCO334. After planting, the setts were covered with soil immediately and each plot was irrigated lightly. After 3 to 4 irrigations, furrow ends of each plot were opened and the irrigation activity was continued as per the practice of the plantation. Nitrogen (Urea) was applied at 2.5 months of cane age. Then after all routine field activities were executed as per the field operation standards. Collection of filter cake and soil samples Filter cake samples were taken from the temporary storage/curing sites and the samples were analyzed at air dry condition (ie, at 30% moisture content) for ph (1:2.5), EC (1:2.5), available phosphorous, total nitrogen and organic carbon following standard procedures (Abejehu, 2001). Composite soil samples were taken at harvest. The samples were analyzed for major physicochemical properties mainly EC 1:2.5, ph 1:2.5, organic carbon (OC), available phosphorous, total nitrogen, and texture following standard analytical procedures (Sahlemedhin and Taye, 2000). Collection of crop data Among crop data, cane and sugar yields were determined at harvest. Cane weight of the middle four furrows was measured using grab loader and crane scale (grab weight). Sugar yield was determined by multiplying cane yield by sucrose percent cane. Finally cane and sugar yields data were subjected to analysis of variance using the MSTAT statistical software. The interaction effect and the main effect for mean cane and sugar yields were compared using Dunckan s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) and Least Significant Difference (LSD), respectively. Cost benefit analysis The values of cost benefit ratio and net return were determined by considering the following conditions: sugar price at the factory gate ( birr t -1 ), estimated cost of Urea ( birr t -1 ), cost of production ( birr t - 1 of sugar; which includes cost of fertilizer for the recommended rate, cost of herbicides, cost of labor, etc),

3 Abejehu 149 Table 1. Chemical composition of composite filter cake samples at Wonji-Shoa sugar estate. Major parameters S/No ph (H 2O) (1:2.5) EC (1:2.5) (ds/m) Total N (%) Available P (ppm) Organic C (%) Average Table 2. Analytical result of soil samples taken at harvest Filter cake (t ha -1 ) Major soil chemical properties at harvest ph (H2O) (1:2.5) EC (1:2.5) (ds/m) Total N (%) Available P (ppm) Organic C (%) Light soil (Luvisol) Heavy soil (Clay soil) cost of filter cake application to cane fields within the average distance of about 8.5km from the Factory site including cost of loading and transportation (birr ha -1 ): , , , and for filter cake rates 30, 60, 90, and 120t ha -1, respectively. Other production costs like costs of weeding, irrigation, and harvesting were assumed not to vary among treatments. For the purpose of cost benefit analysis, experimental sugar yield was adjusted down by 15% to reflect commercial sugar yield under the actual plantations management practices. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Chemical composition of filter cake Analytical result of filter cake samples from Wonji-Shoa sugar factory is presented in Table 1. The average ph value of composite filter cake sample (air dried) was near neutrality and its salt content was low. In view of its nutrient content, it was found to be rich in phosphorous and total nitrogen contents (Table 2). The analytical result indicates that a ton of air dried filter cake can supply about 1142kg N ha -1 and 4.6kg P (10.53 kg P 2 O 5 ) to the soil. The result is in agreement with the findings of Korndorfer et al. (1997) in Brazil who reported that a ton of air dried filter cake contained on the average 12kg N ha -1 and 8.7kg P ha -1 (19.92 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 ). The samples were also high in organic carbon content, and this implies that it can be an important source of organic matter to the soil, which in turn, has a positive effect in improving both soil physical properties and chemical properties. Effects of filter cake on major soil chemical properties Analytical results of soil samples taken from filter cake treated and untreated plots immediately after harvesting of plant cane showed that ph and EC (salt content) of both soil types were not affected due to application of filter cake. However, application of filter cake highly improved available phosphorous and organic carbon contents of the soils at all levels (Table 3). The contents of available P and organic carbon at harvest in plots receiving filter cake were high compared to the contents in control plot of both soil types. Thus besides its immediate nutrient supplying potential, filter cake could be an important source of organic matter to the soil, which in turn, could play a key role in improving soil quality mainly that of soil structure. Benefits of filter cake in improving soil quality had also been reported by different authors (Fauconnier, 1993; Sundara, 2000; Moris et al., 2007).

4 Scholarly J. Agric. Sci. 150 Table 3. Cane yield (t ha -1 ) as affected by filter cake and nitrogen application on light soil and clay soil at Wonji-Shoa cane plantaion. Nitrogen (kg ha -1 ) Filter cake rate (t ha -1 ) Light soil (Luvisol) d 230.6bcd 203.0cd 207.0cd cd 245.5ab 238.7ab 245.4ab bc 261.4a 267.9a 260.7a ab 245.7ab 262.2a 263.5a ab 259.2a 263.7a 262.8a Heavy soil (Clay soil) c 251.1bc 2532bc 253.6bc bc 285.6ab 273.2ab 267.5abc abc 285.4ab 299.8a 272.3ab ab 282.7ab 267.3abc 275.8ab ab 296.0a 265.1abc 259.9abc Means with the same letter at each soil type are not significantly different at p 0.05 from each other according to DMRT. Table 4. Sugar yield (t ha -1 ) as affected by filter cake and nitrogen application on light and clay soil types Nitrogen (kg ha -1 ) Filter Cake (t ha -1 ) Light soil e 29.7cde 29.8cde 30.1bcde cde 33.9abcd 32.6abcd 33.9abcd cde 37.8a 37.9a 35.4abc bcde 32.7abcd 35.1abcd 35.3abcd de 35.3abcd 36.0ab 33.1abcd Clay soil c 35.3bc 35.8bc 35.6bc bc 40.8ab 38.5ab 38.6ab bc 40.1ab 42.0a 40.1ab ab 40.1ab 37.5abc 38.8ab ab 40.7ab 37.2abc 36.3bc Means followed by the same letter at each soil type are not significantly different at p 0.05 according to DMRT Effect of filter cake on cane and sugar yields Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of cane and sugar yields indicated that the main effect of filter cake and the interaction effect of filter cake with nitrogen were highly significant (P 0.01) on light soil and significant (P 0.05) on clay soil. The main effect of nitrogen was, however, non significant (P 0.05) both for cane and sugar yields on both soil types (Appendix Table 1). The interaction effect of filter cake by nitrogen was highly significant (P 0.01) both for cane and sugar yields on light soil and significant (P 0.05) for both parameters on clay soil. Combined application of filter cake with each of different nitrogen levels in high cane yield per hectare compared to yield obtained due to mineral fertilizer rates applied alone including the currently recommended rate (92kg N ha -1 ) (Table 2). Due to combined application, however, highest cane yield was obtained at 60t filter cake ha -1 applied with 92kg N ha -1 on both soil types although cane yield obtained at the next lower filter cake ha -1 applied with 46kg N ha -1 was not statistically different. Like that of cane yield, combined application of different rates of filter cake with varying rates of nitrogen resulted in improved sugar yield. Accordingly about % (4.1t ha -1 ) and 26.9 % (8.0t ha -1 ) sugar yield advantage was obtained over the conventional nitrogen rate due to combined application of 30t filter cake ha -1 cake with 46 kg N ha -1, and 60t filter cake ha -1 cake with 46 kg N ha -1, respectively, on light soil. On clay soil too, sugar yield advantage of about 14.0 % (5.0 t ha -1 ) and 12.0 % (4.3 t ha -1 ) was obtained over the conventional nitrogen rate when 30t filter cake ha -1 was applied with 46 kg N ha -1,

5 Abejehu 151 Table 4. Values of net return (birr ha -1 ) and cost benefit ratio of filter cake and nitrogen trial at Wonji- Shoa suga estate. Light soil Clay soil Treat. code FC +N NR CBR NR CBR A O B : :1.32 C : :1.25 D : :1.18 E : :1.27 F : :1.32 G : :1.25 H : :1.21 I : :1.27 J : :1.32 K : :1.29 L : :1.30 M : :1.30 N : :1.29 O : :1.19 P : :1.19 Q : :1.28 R : :1.29 S : :1.16 T : :1.07 Note: FC=Filter Cake, N=Nitrogen, NR=Net Return, CBR=Cost Benefit Ratio and 60t filter cake ha -1 was applied with 46kg N ha -1, respectively. In line with this, studies carried out using filter cake and mineral fertilizers indicated elsewhere indicated that application of filter cake increased both cane and sugar yields by 26 % compared to mineral fertilizer treatment (Mories et al., 2007). Kaur et al (2004) also stressed the importance of nutrient recycling by using mineral fertilizers with organic materials together. As indicated in Table 4, application of nitrogen without filter cake on both soil types resulted in low sugar tonnage at all levels compared to combined application of both materials. However, like cane yield, sugar yield obtained due to application of nitrogen alone was suppressed at all nitrogen rates. Economic analysis Cost-benefit analysis result of this study revealed that highest net return at the selling price of 4000 Birr t -1 of sugar was obtained at 60t filter cake ha -1 applied with 46kg N ha -1. While economically viable filter cake-mineral fertilizer treatment combinations on both soil types were 30t filter cake ha -1 applied with 46 kg N ha -1, and 60t filter cake ha -1 applied with of 46 kg N ha -1 (Table 5). The available literature also indicate that use of filter cake with mineral fertilizers has beneficial effect in increasing sugar yield compared to mineral fertilization alone (Korndorffer and Anderson, 1997; Sundara, 2000; Moris et al. 2007; Tangkoonboribun et al., 2007). On the other hand, combined applications of filter cake and nitrogen fertilizer at higher rates were not economical. CONCLUSION Findings of this study indicated that application of air dried filter cake with nitrogen fertilizer (as urea) for plant cane resulted in higher cane and sugar tonnages per unit area. In addition, application of filter cake during the start of plant cane highly improved nutrient reserve potential of soils (ie, it improved the amount of available phosphorous and organic carbon status soils) at harvest. Hence, when used properly, it can be an important option for ensuring sustainable productivity of sugarcane fields which are continuous sugarcane production. Cost-benefit analysis result also revealed that different treatment combinations mainly filter cake rates 30t ha -1 and 60t ha -1 each rate applied with 46kg N ha -1 resulted in higher values of net return and cost benefit ratio on both soil types. Therefore, based on the present finding, 30t filter cake ha -1 (at air dried condition) was recommended to be applied with 46kg N ha -1 (100 kg urea ha -1 ) regardless of soil types. REFERENCES Ahenkorah, Y,E, Owusu-Bennoah and Dowuoana, G.N.N. (eds.) (1993). Sustaining soil productivity in intensive African agriculture. Seminar

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7 Abejehu 153 APPENDIX Table 1. ANOVA of cane and sugar yields of plant cane at Wonji-Shoa Sugar Estate. Source of variation Degree Of freedom Soil type Light soil Clay soil Cane Sugar Cane Sugar Filter cake (FC) 4 ** ** * * Urea 3 ns ns ns ns FC x Urea 12 ** ** * * CV (%)