Sugarcane yield loss due to water and nitrogen deficiencies evaluated by carbon isotopic discrimination method

Water and nitrogen (N) availability are determining factors for crop development and production. Assessments of sugarcane yield loss based on these factors may become more accurate by using the stable carbon (C) isotope technique. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of N and water on sugarcane yield, isolating the yield losses (YL) caused by N or by water limitations, and correlating them with the fractionation of C isotopes (Delta C-13). The research was carried out in field conditions in the municipality of Jail, Brazil. A statistical design in randomized block was used, considering the 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, composed of two cycles [first (2008/09) and second (2009/10)], two N rates (without and with N) and two water supplies (rainfed and irrigated). These variables were evaluated: biometric features (plant height, stalk diameter and tittering), yield elements [stalk yield (STY), sucrose yield (SUY), and stalk dry matter (SDM)1, technological quality parameters [fiber content, sucrose juice content (SJC), and total sucrose recovery (TSR)1, stalk N concentration (SNC) and accumulation (SNA), and Delta C-13. The effect of irrigation associated with N fertilization on STY, SUY, and SDM, resulted in average increases of 53.7, 9.0, and 18.6 Mg ha(-1), respectively. The average YL for STY in two crop seasons were 40.5%, 35.2%, and 48.2% due to limitations of N or water or N + water, respectively. The SNC was not affected by the water supply, but it was increased by N fertilization. The highest value of Delta C-13 was obtained for the treatment without N fertilization in rainfed conditions, and the least Delta C-13 was found for the one with N Fertilization and irrigation. The Delta C-13 measurement was effective in identifying N and water deficiencies, presenting potential to be used as an indicator of N and water limitations for sugarcane yield.