Effects of fertilization depth on sugarcane quality and soil fertility

The low fertilizer utilization rate has become an urgent need to solve the problem and fertilization depth is a better solution to fertilization. Conducted in a field micro-area in Baise City, Guangxi Province, the experiment employed different combinations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, applied at various depths to investigates the effects of investigate dose of fertilizer and fertilization depths on the yield, quality traits, soil enzyme activities, and overall soil fertility of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrids). The results indicate that closer alignment of the fertilization depth to the main root distribution area enhances the yield and quality of sugarcane. Specifically, deeper fertilization increases the soil's nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus, and potassium content. Additionally, such fertilization depths significantly boost the activity of soil enzymes such as urease, sucrase, catalase, and acid phosphatase in the rhizosphere. Optimizing the fertilization ratio to N:P₂O₅:K₂O at 5:1:5 (comprising 0.134 kg/m² of urea, 0.104 kg/m² of potassium chloride, and 0.093 kg/m² of calcium superphosphate) and setting the fertilization depth to 15 cm can notably increase sugarcane yield and quality and enhance soil fertility. This approach aligns more closely with the nutrient demands of sugarcane, improves overall soil fertility, and promotes agricultural sustainability to provide data support and a scientific basis for the efficient management and utilization of local sugarcane fertilizers.