Phosphorus:

Deficiency of Phosphorus:    

The old leaves of sugarcane become grayish-green. The young ones become darker. Lack of phosphorus during the early vegetation period when the root system is formed cannot be compensated by phosphorus fertilization later. Phosphorus uptake in the sugar plant is more evenly-distributed and more time-lengthy as compared with nitrogen.

• Application of phosphatic fertilizer in single dose in the furrows at the time of planting has been found suitable.
• Single basal application of potash or in two installments at planting and at 90 days after planting are most beneficial for cane crop.
• Potash should be applied by placement well down within the root zone of cane as in the case of phosphatic fertilizers for obtaining discernible effects.