Abstract

The production of sugarcane is constantly growing in Brazil, and by the 2016/2017 season, it is estimated to have reached 691 million tons. However, productivity has not shown significant increase, this is due largely to inadequate nutritional supplementation of sugarcane plantations, especially the micronutrients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of micronutrients application on the billets and quality of sugarcane in the groove of sugarcane plantation. The experiment was carried out in randomized blocks of six treatments, with application of micronutrients sources in the planting furrow, with 4 repetitions. Number of stems, leaf nutrient content, sugarcane yield and total recoverable sugar (ATR) of sugarcane were evaluated. The use of micronutrients Cu, Mn and Zn chelated associated with sources of K2O, B and Mo promoted increased productivity of billets  (TCH)  10  and  15%  with  doses  of  1.0  and  1.5  L  ha-1   complex  nutrient respectively. The exclusive application of Boric Acid and Zinc Sulphate in dosages of 2.03 kg ha-1 did not increase the productivity of sugarcane. Nutrient sources applied on billets did not result in increases in technological quality of sugarcane, assessed by ATR.

Key words: Saccharum spp, boron, copper, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, fertilization, soil fertility.