Nutrients

N Nitrogen
P Phosphorus
K Potassium
B Boron

Sugarcane - Discolouration

Symptoms
Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency vary with the different varieties of sugarcane. This photo shows a purple discoloration of the stem, but discoloration of the tips of older leaves is also possible.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Similar symptoms are caused by weakened root systems due to poor soil texture, salinity or diseases.

Sugarcane - Discolouration

Symptoms
Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency vary with the different varieties of sugarcane. In this case, a reddish to brown discoloration starts on the main leaf vein and along the leaf edges. Older leaves and stalk bases turn uniformly brown.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Similar symptoms are caused by weakened root systems due to poor soil texture, salinity or diseases.

Sugarcane - Discolouration

Symptoms
Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency vary with the different varieties of sugarcane. In this case, a reddish to brown discoloration starts on the main leaf vein and along the leaf edges. Additionally, small whitish spots with a brown seam occur along the midrib.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Similar symptoms are caused by weakened root systems due to poor soil texture, salinity or diseases.

Sugarcane - Discolouration

Symptoms
Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency vary with the different varieties of sugarcane. This photo shows a purple discoloration of the stem, but discoloration of the tips of older leaves is also possible.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Similar symptoms are caused by weakened root systems due to poor soil texture, salinity or diseases.

Phosphorus deficiency made worse by

  • Acidic or very alkaline (calcareaus) soils
  • Low organic matter
  • Cold or wet conditions
  • Crops with a poorly developed root system
  • Soils with low P reserves
  • Soils with a high phosphate capacity
  • Iron rich soils

Phosphorus is important for

  • "Productive growth, i
  • e
  • more tillers, quick canopy closure, strong stalk development, big root mass
  • High yield and sugar quality
  • Adequate P levels necessary in cane juice for proper clarification
  • "