Enhancing Phosphorus Uptake in Sugarcane: A Critical Evaluation of Humic Acid and Phosphorus Fertilizers Effectiveness

Abstract: Our research conducted in an area characterized by alkaline, lime-abundant soils investigated the potential of utilizing phosphorus fertilizer and humic acid to enhance phosphorus absorption in sugarcane crops. The results indicated that the application of phosphorus fertilizer significantly increased the total and bioavailable phosphorus in the rhizospheric soil, despite observing a decrease in phosphatase enzyme activity. An important observation was the considerable growth of active carbon, a crucial soil health indicator, under the influence of humic acid treatments. The findings also demonstrated an enhancement in phosphorus absorption by sugarcane due to the synergistic application of humic acid and phosphorus fertilizer at both harvest periods. Interestingly, humic acid treatments, when applied through immersion, were found to be more effective than soil applications, implying a greater impact on root absorption processes. The findings underline the potential of integrating humic acid into sugarcane cultivation for better phosphorus absorption. Our study offers valuable insights for improved soil management strategies, and could potentially pave the way towards more sustainable agricultural practices. However, we also recommend further investigation into alternative methods of humic acid application and its usage at different stages of plant growth. Such exploration could provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and most effective utilization of humic acid in agriculture, especially in regions with similar soil characteristics as West Azarbaijan, Iran