NITRATE AND POTASSIUM DYNAMICS IN PROFILES OF SOILS CULTIVATED WITH FERTIGATED SUGARCANE CROPS

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the distribution of NO3 - and K+ in the profile of soils cultivated with sugarcane crops, after application of different nitrogen (N) and potassium (K2O) rates via subsurface drip fertigation, in Teresina, PI, Brazil. The experiment was conducted at the experimental area of Embrapa Meio-Norte, using a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments were arranged in split plots, with N+K2O rates (60+120, 180+120, 120+60, 120+180, and 120+120 kg ha-1 of N + K2O, respectively) in the plots, and soil layers (0.0-0.2, 0.2-0.4, and 0.4-0.6 m), for quantification of NO3- and K+ concentrations in the soil, in the subplots. The soil of the experimental area was a Typic Hapludult of sandy-loam texture. The distribution of nitrate (NO3-) and potassium (K+) in the soil layers after the N+K2O applications were evaluated. The NO3- and K+ concentrations in soils under sugarcane crops in the plant crop cycle is higher at the beginning and at the end of the cycle, respectively. The NO3 - and K+ concentrations in the soil solution are dependent on the evaluation time, soil layer, and N and K2O rates applied via fertigation. The highest concentrations of NO3- (264 mg L-1) and K+ (377 ppm) were found in the 0.0-0.2 m soil layer. No leaching of NO3- or K+ to deepest soil layers (>0.4 m) was found.