With the aim to evaluate the accumulation of macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S) in above- ground and below-ground sugarcane portions as a function of nitrogen fertilization and crop residues incorporated in the soil an experiment was developed in pots containing 250 kg of sandy soil. The experimental design was a randomized (4 x 2) blocks with three replications. The treatments were: (1) Nitrogen rates of 0, 900, 1800 and 2700 mg pot-1; (2) Crop residues of the last sugarcane ratoon crop incorporated to the soil, with dry leaves (CF) or without (SF). The study was carried out in Piracicaba, SP, from January to December 1996. Nitrogen fertilization promoted higher accumulation of N and S in the above-ground portion of sugarcane and the value of nitrogen sulphur ratio was 2. Nitrogen fertilization provided higher accumulation of all macronutrients in the below ground portion (root system) of sugarcane. This accumulation followed the decreasing order: N = K > Ca > Mg = S > P. The kinds of crop residues incorporated in the soil have not promoted significant effect on macronutrients accumulation by sugarcane.
nitrogen; roots; Saccharum spp.; synergism
