RESSALVA 
 
 
Atendendo solicitação do(a) autor(a), o texto 

completo desta tese/dissertação será 
disponibilizado somente a partir de 

01/09/2022. 
 



 

 

 

 

ARIANI GARCIA 

 

 

 

 

INTERACTION OF MAGNESIUM WITH POTASSIUM IN SUGARCANE 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Botucatu 

2019 

  



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 

  

1
7 

ARIANI GARCIA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTERACTION OF MAGNESIUM WITH POTASSIUM IN SUGARCANE 

 

 

 

 

 

Thesis presented to São Paulo State 
University, School of Agriculture, to obtain 
Doctor degree in Agronomy (Energy in 
Agriculture). 

 

Advisor: Carlos Alexandre Costa Crusciol 

Co-advisor: James Mabry McCray 

 

 

Botucatu 

2019 

 

 



 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         



 
 

  

1
9 

 



 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 

  

2
1 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I dedicate this thesis to my parents José and Osmarina, 

my brother Alessandro and my niece Raissa, 

  



 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 

  

2
3 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

 

I am grateful to God, above everything, who with His presence and mercy, 

allowed me to follow the path chosen by me. Thank you Lord for your presence in 

moments of anguish and fear, for sheltering and comforting my heart. Thank you for 

all the lessons I have learned throughout my life, for my family and friends who are 

always with me, strengthening my foundations. Thank you, my merciful father, for 

being with me at every step, for loving me in any circumstance, for not letting me be 

discouraged by the difficulties. Thank you Lord for such a conquest and for the 

blessings that will surely come.  

 To my dear parents José Clemêncio Sanches Garcia and Osmarina Gregio 

Garcia, who gave me life and taught me how to live it with dignity. Who gave 

themselves and renounced their own dreams, so that many times I could accomplish 

mine. Who, by nature, option and love, honoured theirs educational and caregivers 

mission. To you, who saw me born, grow up, say the first word, take the first step and 

walked with me to this day; who devoted each drop of sweat to an uncertain future, but 

always putting hope; who do not let themselves be overcome by fatigue to give me 

strength; who are my true friend and even when distant are always present; who guide 

me, protect me and bless me, it is for you and by you that I have reached until here to 

say that everything I have and what I am I owe to you to God.  

 To my brother Alessandro Garcia. I thank God for giving me a partner. We are 

very proud of you, by your effort and for your character. Thank you for being the best 

brother/father in the world, for being my example and for supporting me. You are and 

have always been a precious stone, the foundation of our family. We love you.  

 To my advisor Prof. Dr. Carlos Alexandre Costa Crusciol, for being an example 

of person and professional, integrity, humility and determination. For the support and 

friendship built. I am immensely grateful to have given me not only the rational 

knowledge, but also the manifestations of character and affectivity. Thank you for the 

confidence and credit you have given me, for the scientific and philosophical teaching, 

for always standing by my side comprehensive and patient towards the formation and 

accomplishment of this work. I am grateful for all the availability, guidance and all the 

clarifications. You will always be part of my life, acknowledgements and prayers. 

 To my co-advisor James Mabry McCray, for accepting me and giving me the 

opportunity to work with him during my stay in the United States. I thank you for the 



 
 

 
 

care, attention and support towards this dream accomplishment. Thank you for 

accepting being my co-advisor and for always helping me when needed. 

 To my boyfriend Matheus Mereb Negrisoli, for the friendship, affection, patience 

and love. Thank you for being present even in the tumultuous moments, for being a 

people encouraging, your generosity, for always pushing me for the best, for guiding 

me along the good path. An honest, intelligent and God-fearing man. You are the best 

gift He gave me. I love you very much and I hope that our paths continue to cross, with 

great success, companionship, divine light and love. 

 To Dr. Gabriela Ferraz de Siqueira, for the friendship, partnership and for all the 

teaching, help and good times shared. Good-hearted person who became my sister. 

 To Dr. Carlos Antonio Costa do Nascimento, for the friendship, partnership, 

patience and for all the teaching. Honest and humble person, deserving of all the 

success God has provided in his life. Thank you for all your help with this work 

development.  

 To the Faculty of Engineering of Ilha Solteira (SP), São Paulo State University 

“Júlio de Mesquita Filho” – FEIS/UNESP and my advisor Prof. Dr. Marco Eustáquio de 

Sá for the opportunity granted to obtain and hold a Master’s degree in Agronomy by 

the Graduate Program in Agronomy (Cropping Systems), as well as to the program’s 

professors, who dedicated several afternoons of their activities to help us, always 

showing great affection, respect and attention to our doubts. 

 To the Postgraduate Programs in Agronomy – Agriculture and Energy in 

Agriculture of School of Agriculture of Botucatu (SP), for the opportunity to conduce 

this study and for all the infrastructure provided. I thank also to all the professors and 

staff who, with great affection and attention, always attend and help us.  

 To the Everglades Research & Education Center (EREC), to the University of 

Florida and all the professors, staff, and students that I have lived with. Thank you for 

all the receptivity, affection and attention. 

 To Dr. Shangning Ji, EREC plant nutrition laboratory technician, for all the 

teaching, patience, attention and affection. A wonderful person whom I have much 

admiration and respect. 

 To CNPq – the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological 

Development (Process number: 140435/2015-8), for the scholarship granted. 



 
 

  

2
5 

 To all my friends, for the help and dedication offered during the conduction of 

these experiments. These have shown me the value of group work. To you, my dear 

friends, a special and affectionate thanks. I thank God that I was fortunate enough to 

meet you, who are amazing people that I admire and respect. I am lucky to have the 

best friends in the world. Friends that are few, but worth a lot in my life. Friends who 

are with me for whatever comes and goes, who support me in what I believe, that 

encourage me. Friends who shared with me their lives, who write stories together with 

me, and who keep in theirs hearts part of my memories. To you, my sincerely thank 

you.  

 To all the people who somehow contributed directly or indirectly to the 

development of this study, my thank you!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 

  

2
7 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up 

work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. Three, if you 

are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don't throw it away.”  ― 

Stephen Hawking 

  



 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 

  

2
9 

RESUMO 

 

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do fornecimento de concentrações de Mg2+e K+, e da 

aplicação foliar de Mg2+ no desenvolvimento da raiz e parte aérea, bem como 

possíveis alterações no estado nutricional e na partição de carboidratos em plantas 

de cana-de-açúcar. Para tanto, três estudos foram conduzidos: i) avaliação do efeito 

de concentrações de Mg2+ (controle e deficiente) no desenvolvimento de plantas de 

cana-de-açúcar; ii) alterações metabólicas e nutricionais na cana-de-açúcar 

decorrentes do desequilíbrio de Mg2+ causado pelo alto nível de K+; iii) eficiência da 

aplicação foliar de Mg2+ em plantas de cana-de-açúcar cultivadas em nutrição variada 

de K+ e Mg2+. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em casa de vegetação e as plantas 

cultivadas em solução nutritiva. Foram avaliados: o teor de clorofila nas folhas, 

parâmetros morfológicos das raízes (comprimento e diâmetro radicular), produção de 

matéria seca das partes da planta, composição nutricional e partição de amido, 

sacarose e açúcares redutores nas diferentes partes da planta. No geral, o adequado 

fornecimento de Mg2+ levou a maior produção de matéria seca, concentração de 

sacarose nos colmos e relação raiz/parte aérea. Clorofila a, b e carotenoides foram 

menores em plantas deficientes em Mg2+. Ademais, foi observado maior concentração 

de amido e açúcares solúveis nas folhas e menor concentração de sacarose nos 

colmos destas plantas. Além disso, plantas deficientes em Mg2+ tiveram menor 

comprimento radicular e maior diâmetro, do que as quais apresentaram maior 

concentração de K+ na raiz e maior translocação deste cátion para a parte aérea. O 

aumento da concentração de K+ na solução nutritiva reduziu a concentração de Mg2+ 

nas raízes, folhas novas, folhas velhas e colmos da cana-de-açúcar, mesmo nas 

plantas controle de Mg2+. Independente da nutrição com Mg2+, no maior nível de K+, 

todos os parâmetros biométricos avaliados neste estudo foram reduzidos. Plantas 

cultivadas sob deficiência de Mg2+ obtiveram maior concentração de amido nos 

colmos em altas concentrações de K+. A aplicação foliar de Mg2+ aumentou o conteúdo 

de sacarose nos colmos e reduziu o de amido, independentemente do nível de K+ 

avaliado. Além disso, foi observado plantas maiores com a aplicação foliar e alto nível 

de K, em ambos níveis de Mg2+ avaliados. Para os parâmetros biométricos, com ou 

sem aplicação foliar, a deficiência de Mg2+ pareceu afetar mais as plantas de cana-

de-açúcar do que os altos níveis de K+.               

 



 
 

 
 

Palavras-chave: Saccharum spp.. Partição de carboidratos. Produção de clorofila. 

Estado nutricional. Nutrição de plantas. Potássio. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 

  

3
1 

ABSTRACT 

 

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Mg2+ and K+ concentrations, and 

Mg2+ foliar application on the root and shoot growth, as well as to check the alterations 

on the nutritional status and carbohydrates partitioning in sugarcane plants. For this 

purpose, three studies were conducted: i) evaluation of the effect of Mg2+ 

concentrations (adequate and deficient) on the sugarcane plants development; ii) 

metabolic and nutritional alterations in sugarcane due to Mg2+ imbalance caused by K+ 

high level; iii) efficiency of the Mg2+ foliar application in sugarcane plants grown under 

varied levels of K+ and Mg2+. The experiments were estabilished in greenhouse and 

the plants grown in nutrition solution. The evalutions were: leaf chlorophyll content, 

root morphological parameters (length and root diameter), dry matter production of 

plant parts, nutritional composition and starch, sucrose and reducing sugars 

partitioning in the different plant parts. In general, the adequate supply of Mg2+ resulted 

in higher dry matter production, sucrose concentration in the stalks and root/shoot 

ratio. Chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids were lower in Mg2+ deficient plants. Moreover, 

higher concentration of starch and soluble sugars were observed in the leaves and 

lower starch concentration in the stalks of these plants. Besides, Mg-deficient plants 

had shorter root length and larger diameter, which presented higher K+ concentrations 

in the root and higher translocation of this cation to the shoot. Increase in K+ 

concentration in the nutrition solution reduced Mg2+ concentration in the roots, young 

leaves, old leaves and stalks of sugarcane, even in Mg2+ control plants. Regardless 

Mg2+ nutrition, at the highest level of K+, all the plant growth parameters evaluated in 

this study were reduced. Plants grown under Mg2+ deficiency obtained higher starch 

concentration in the stalks at higher K+ level. Magnesium foliar application raised the 

sucrose concentration in the stalks and reduced the starch, regardless the K+ level 

evaluated. In addition, bigger plants were observed with foliar application and high K+ 

level, at both Mg2+ levels. For the plant growth parameters, with or without foliar 

application, Mg2+ deficiency seemed to greater affect the sugarcane plants than the 

high levels of K+.              

 

Keywords: Saccharum spp.. Carbohydrate partitioning, Chlorophyll production, 

Nutritional status. Potassium 

 



 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 

  

3
3 

SUMMARY 

 

 GENERAL INTRODUCTION……………………………………………. 19 
 CHAPTER 1 - MAGNESIUM AS A PROMOTER OF 

TECHNOLOGICAL QUALITY IN SUGARCANE……………………… 
22 

1.1 INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………............. 22 
1.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS…………………………………………… 24 
1.2.1 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN………………………………………………. 24 
1.2.2 Seedlings obtainment and trial set-up…………………………………… 24 

1.2.3  Nutrient solution…………………………………………………………… 25 

1.2.4 Morphological, physiological, and chemical analysis …………………. 26 

1.2.4.1 Leaf chlorophyll content…………………………………………………... 26 
1.2.4.2 Root morphological parameters…………………………………………. 26 
1.2.4.3 Dry matter production of plant parts.…………………………………….. 27 
1.2.4.4 Determination of the nutritional composition of the plant parts………. 27 
1.2.4.5 Quantification of soluble sugar and starch concentrations of the plant 

parts………………………………………………………………………… 
27 

1.2.5 Statistical analysis………………………………………………………… 27 

1.3 RESULTS 28 
1.3.1 Biometric and nutritional parameters……………………………………. 28 
1.3.2 Photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates……………………………………………. 29 

1.3.3 Correlation analysis………………………………………………………………………………………… 30 

1.4 DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 33 

1.4.1 Biometrics and nutritional parameters……………………………………………………….. 33 

1.4.2  Photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates…………………………………………… 35 

1.4.3 Correlation analysis and Stepwise regression…………………………………………. 38 

1.5 CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 39 

 REFERENCES……………………………………………………………. 41 
 CHAPTER 2 - ALTERATIONS TO SUGARCANE METABOLISM 

DUE TO MAGNESIUM IMBALANCE CAUSED BY EXCESS 
POTASSIUM……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

48 

2.1 INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 49 

2.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS…………………………………………………………………….. 50 

2.2.1 Experimental design………………………………………………………………………………………. 50 

2.2.2 Seedlings obtainment and trial set-up………………………………………………………… 50 

2.2.3 Nutrient solution………………………………………………………………………………………………. 51 

2.2.4 Plant height………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 53 

2.2.5 Root length ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 53 

2.2.6 Dry matter production of plant parts…………………………………………………………….  53 

2.2.7 Determination of the K and Mg concentration of the plant parts……… 53 
2.2.8 Carbohydrates…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 53 

2.2.9 Analysis of antioxidant enzymes…………………………………………………………………. 54 

2.2.9.1 Soluble proteins………………………………………………………………………………………………. 54 

2.2.9.2 Superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC:1.15.1.1) …………………………………………….. 54 

2.2.9.3 Catalase (CAT, 1.11.1.6) ………………………………………………………………………………. 55 

2.2.9.4 Ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC:1.11.1.11) …………………………………………….. 55 

2.2.9.5 Glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2) …………………………………………………… 55 



 
 

 
 

2.2.9.6 Rubisco Activity……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 55 

2.3 RESULTS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 56 

2.3.1 Nutritional aspects………………………………………………………………………………………….. 56 

2.3.2 Carbohydrates 58 
2.3.3 Root morphological parameters, plant growth and biomass 

production……………………………………………………………………………………………………....... 
60 

2.3.4  Rubisco and antioxidant enzyme activity…………………………………………………… 62 

2.4 DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 64 

2.4.1 Nutritional aspects…………………………………………………………………………………………… 64 

2.4.2 Carbohydrates…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 65 

2.4.3 Root morphological parameters, plant growth and biomass 
production…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

67 

2.4.4 Rubisco and antioxidant enzymes activity…………………………………………………. 70 

2.5  CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 72 

 REFERENCES…………………………………………………………..... 73 
 CHAPTER 3 - MAGNESIUM FOLIAR FERTILIZATION 

EFFICIENCY IN SUGARCANE PLANTS GROWN IN VARIED 
POTASSIUM AND MAGNESIUM NUTRITION………………………... 

81 

3.1 INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 81 

3.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS…………………………………………………………………….. 83 

3.2.1 Experimental design………………………………………………………………………………………. 83 

3.2.2  Seedlings obtainment and trial set-up………………………………………………………… 83 

3.2.3 Nutrient solution ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 84 

3.2.4 Foliar application……………………………………………………………………………………………… 85 

3.2.5 Growth parameters…………………………………………………………………………………………. 86 

3.2.6 Leaf chlorophyll content…………………………………………………………………………………. 86 

3.2.7 Root morphological parameters…………………………………………………………………… 86 

3.2.8 Dry matter production of plant parts……………………………………………………………. 87 

3.2.9 Determination of the nutritional composition of the plant parts………. 87 
3.2.10 Carbohydrates…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 87 

3.2.11 Statistical analysis…………………………………………………………………………………………… 87 

3.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………………….. 88 

3.4 CONCLUSIONS………………………………………………………………………………………………. 106 

 REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………………………… 107 

 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS…………………………………………………………………. 111 

 REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………………………… 112 

 

 



19 
 

  

1
9 

GENERAL INTRODUCTION 

The worldwide demand for ethanol from renewable sources combined with large 

cropping areas and favorable soil and climate conditions for sugarcane has made 

Brazil the largest producer of sugarcane and an important country for the export of 

sugar as a commodity (CONAB, 2018). The sugarcane production estimate for the 

2018/19 cropping season is 615.84 million tons, which is 2.8% lower than that of the 

previous cropping season. With respect to ethanol, the expectation is an increase of 

18.6% during this season due to the increased need for total recoverable sugar 

production for anhydrous ethanol, with a production of 32.3 billion liters (CONAB, 

2018). 

 Vinasse is a residue derived from the alcohol production process. This residue 

is generated in amounts ranging from 10 to 18 L L-1 ethanol and is rich in potassium 

(K+) and organic matter. When applied at the correct ratio and at the correct timing, 

this subproduct offers great rational and economical possibilities with respect to 

incorporation into the soil (NICOCHELLI et al., 2012; DEL NERY et al., 2018). 

 As regard to sugarcane, in addition to crop yield, the quality of the raw material 

is highly important for industrial purposes. The use of vinasse in sugarcane fields has 

undoubted benefits from agronomic and economic perspectives, since vinasse-treated 

fields yield the most tons of sugarcane per hectare (SILVA; BONO; PEREIRA, 2014). 

However, these fields can present low economic returns due to low sucrose 

concentrations within the stalks. 

Potassium is directly correlated with the ash content in sugarcane juice 

(RODELLA; FERRARI, 1977; SILVA et al., 1978; FREIRE; CORTEZ, 2000). This ash 

content is an important factor in the industrialization process due to the negative effects 

of sugar crystallization. In plants, high K+ level can induce the production of potassium 

saccharate instead of sucrose, reducing the amount of total recoverable sugar per ton 

of sugarcane produced (RODRIGUES, 1995; FREIRE; CORTEZ, 2000). Furthermore, 

high concentrations of K+ in sugarcane juice seems to be strongly correlated with trans-

aconitic acid contents in the stalks. Clarke and Brannan (1983) reported that this acid 

can be used as an indicator of the maturity level of sugarcane, since as the plant 

matures, the content of trans-aconitic acid decreases. Therefore, this acid might be 

another important indicator of the relatively lower sugar concentrations in sugarcane 

stalks grown in vinasse-treated fields. 



20 
 

 
 

 According to Oliveira et al. (2014), the inclusion of vinasse during fertigation 

supplies the nutritional needs of sugarcane beginning from the second harvest; 

however, vinasse inclusion results in lower agroindustry quality parameters such as 

Brix value, sucrose and total recoverable sugar due to an increase in mineral 

fertilization from fertigation. 

 Compared with magnesium (Mg2+) concentrations, K+ concentrations are 

relatively high in vinasse (NUNES; VELLOSO; LEAL, 1981), suggesting that a 

deficiency in this divalent cation can be induced by continual applications of large 

volumes of vinasse, especially in Mg-deficient soils (NUNES; LEAL; VELLOSO, 1982). 

 Although the ionic radius of Mg is smaller than that of K, the radius of the 

hydrated ion of Mg is larger, indicating the need for ion-specific transport proteins. 

Moreover, the easy mobility of K+ throughout the xylem is associated with the strong 

interaction of Mg2+ with the negative charges of the xylem vessels, and the apoplast 

can slow Mg2+ translocation to shoots (MARSCHNER, 1996; CAKMAK; YAZICI, 2010; 

GRANSEE; FÜHRS, 2013). At a very early stage of deficiency, photoassimilate 

phloem loading is severely impaired and occurs before any visible changes in shoot 

growth, chlorophyll concentrations or photosynthetic activity (CAKMAK et al., 1994a, 

b; HERMANS et al., 2005; CAKMAK; KIRKBY, 2008). 

Reduced photosynthate transport from source to sink organs caused by Mg2+ 

deficiencies in plants may affect the amount of sucrose in stalks (GERENDÁS; 

FÜHRS, 2013), mainly because adequate Mg2+ nutrition is needed during the 

preripening stage to maintain and maximize source-to-sink transport (CAKMAK; 

KIRKBY, 2008). 

Although antagonism between K+ and Mg2+ is well documented for other crop 

species, such as barley (JAKOBSEN, 1993), maize (MEURER; FONSECA, 1997), 

common bean (TUMA et al., 2004), rice (DING et al., 2008), safflower (FARHAT et al. 

2013) and tomato (LI et al., 2018), this phenomenon as well as its impact on plant 

metabolism has not been widely recognized in sugarcane. 

The present study presents the following hypotheses: a) Mg2+ deficiency causes 

changes in root morphological parameters (diameter and length) as well as in 

carbohydrate partitioning in the sugarcane roots and shoots due to impaired sucrose 

export in the phloem and reduced carbohydrate supply to the roots, causes 

accumulations of starch and soluble sugars in the leaves, with lower amounts of these 



21 
 

  

2
1 

carbohydrates allocated to the stalks, and reduces chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b 

(Chl b) and carotenoid contents due to reduced Mg concentrations and increased 

accumulation of starch in the leaves; b) High K+ levels decrease Mg2+ uptake by the 

roots by reducing the affinity of this ion for plasma membrane transporters, decrease 

Mg2+ translocation from the roots to the shoots, and affect sugarcane photosynthetic 

metabolism as well as the partitioning and translocation of starch and sucrose, 

resulting in reduced accumulations of this polysaccharide in the stalks; and c) Mg2+ 

foliar applications may rescue the effects caused by high K+ levels on the Mg2+ uptake 

by roots. 

 Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of K+ and Mg2+ concentrations in 

nutrient solutions and the foliar applications of Mg2+ on root and shoot development of 

sugarcane as well as on the possible nutritional and metabolic alterations in the plants. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



111 
 

  

1
11

 

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 

 

Sugarcane is a crop specie with great socioeconomic importance in Brazil. 

Vinasse has been used in an increasingly intense way as an organic fertilizer. With 

respect to mills, vinasse is seen as a product of economic value in the production of 

sugar and alcohol because applications of this natural product through fertigation 

results in increased agricultural productivity and reduced fertilization and irrigation 

costs. 

However, the sugarcane productivity of vinasse-treated fields is still below the 

genetic potential of the varieties. This fact can be attributed to the internal Mg 

concentration imbalance in the plants caused by the high K concentration in the 

vinasse, making acquisition of this nutrient by plant roots difficult. 

Due to the complex role of Mg in chlorophyll and protein biosynthesis, negative 

impacts are expected not only on final crop yields but also on the qualitative 

parameters of sugarcane under Mg deficiency. Since several plant organs (roots, 

stalks and gems) are not able to satisfy their demand for photoassimilates (sugars, 

amino acids, etc.), their demands are compensated by the direct transport from the 

source leaves to the sink organs, mediated by phloem. Although not entirely clarified, 

Mg seems to play a key role in the phloem loading of sucrose from source leaves, 

emphasizing the importance of an adequate supply of this nutrient to crops. In addition, 

due to the ability of the leaves to absorb nutrients, Mg foliar applications represent an 

excellent fertilization strategy to improve the internal concentration of this nutrient in 

plants. Thus, additional studies should be carried out to elucidate the mechanisms of 

K and Mg interaction as well as alternatives to Mg supply in combination with vinasse 

use, since several benefits occur in response to the use of this product. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



112  
 

 
 

1
1

2
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



113 
 

  

1
13

 

REFERENCES 
 

CAKMAK, I.; YAZICI, A. Magnesium: a forgotten elemento in crop prodution. Better 
Crops. v.94, p.23-25, 2010. 
 
CAKMAK, I.; KIRKBY; E. A. Role of magnesium in carbon partitioning and alleviating 
photoxidative damage. Physiology Plantarum, v. 133, p. 692–704, 2008. 
 
CAKMAK, I; HENGELER, C; MARSCHNER, H. Partitioning of shoot and root dry 
matter and carbohydrates in bean plants suffering from phosphorus, potassium and 
magnesium deficiency. Journal of Experimental Botany. v. 45, p. 1245–1250, 
1994a. 
 
CAKMAK, I.; HENGELER, C.; MARSCHNER, H. Changes in phloem export of 
sucrose in leaves in response to phosphorus, potassium and magnesium deficiency 
in bean plants. Journal of Experimental Botany v. 45, p. 1251–1257, 1994b. 
 
COMPANHIA NACIONAL DE ABASTECIMENTO- CONAB. Acompanhamento da 
Safra Brasileira Cana-de-Açúcar Safra 2016/2017, primeiro levantamento, 
dez/2018. Brasília, 2018. 66 p. Disponível em: 
<http://www.conab.gov.br/conabweb/>. Acesso em: 18 janeiro 2019. 
 
CLARKE, M.A.; BRANNAN, M.A. Rapid analyses of lactic acid, an indicator of 
sugarcane deterioration, and aconitic acid, an indicator of sugarcane maturity by high 
performance liquid chromatography. Journal of the American Society of Sugar 
Cane Technologists, v. 2, n. 88, 1983. 
 
DEL NERY, V.; ALVES, I.; DAMIANOVIC, M. H. R. Z.; PIRES, E. C. Hydraulic and 
organic rates applied to pilot scale UASB reactor for sugar cane vinasse degradation 
and biogas generation. Biomass and Bioenergy, v. 119, p. 411-417, 2018. 
 
DING, Y. C.; CHANG, C. R.; LUO, W.; WU, Y. S.; REN, X. L.; WANG, P.; XU, G. H. 
High Potassium Aggravates the Oxidative Stress Inducedy by Magnesium Deflciency 
in Rice Leaves1. Pedosphere, v. 18, n. 3, p. 316-327, 2008. 
 
FARHAT, N.; RABHI, M.; FALLEH, H.; LENGLIZ, K.; SMAOUI, A;, ABDELLY, C; 
LACHAA, M.; KARRAY-Bouraoui, N. Interactive effects of excessive potassium and 
Mg deficiency on safflower. Acta physiologiae plantarum, v. 35, n. 9, p. 2737-2745, 
2013. 
 
FREIRE, W.J.; CORTEZ, L.A.B. Vinhaça de cana-de-açúcar. Guaíba: 
Agropecuária, 2000. 203 p. 
 
GRANSEE, A.; FÜHRS, H. Magnesium mobility in soils as a challenge for soil and 
plant analysis, magnesium fertilization and root uptake under adverse growth 
conditions. Plant and Soil, v. 268, n. 1-2, p. 5-21, 2013. 
 
HERMANS, C.; BOURGIS, F.; FAUCHER, M.; DELROT, S.; STRASSER, R.J.; 
VERBRUGGEN, N. Magnesium deficiency in sugar beet alters sugar partitioning and 
phloem loading in young mature leaves. Planta. v. 220, p. 541–549, 2005. 



114  
 

 
 

1
1

4
 

 
HORIE, T.; BRODSKY, D. E.; COSTA, A.; KANEKO, T.; SCHIAVO, F. L.; 
KATSUHARA, M.; SCHROEDER, J. I. K+ transport by the OsHKT2;4 transporter from 
rice with atypical Na+ transport properties and competition in permeation of K+ over 
Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions. Plant Physiology, pp-110, 2011. 
 
JAKOBSEN, S. T. Interaction between plant nutrients: III. Antagonism between 
potassium, magnesium and calcium. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica B-Plant Soil 
Sciences, v. 43, n. 1, p. 1-5, 1993. 
 
LI, H. X.; CHEN, Z. J.; ZHOU, T.; LIU, Y.; ZHOU, J. B. High potassium to magnesium 
ratio affected the growth and magnesium uptake of three tomato (Solanum 
lycopersicum L.) cultivars, Journal of Integrative Agriculture, v. 17, p. 60345-7, 
2018. 
 
MARSCHNER, H.; KIRKBY, E. A.; CAKMAK, I. Effect of mineral nutritional status on 
shoot–root partitioning of photoassimilates and cycling of mineral nutrients. Journal 
of Experimental Botany, v.47, p.1255–1263, 1996. 
 
MEURER, E. J.; FONSECA, J. A. Inibição da absorção de magnésio pelo potássio 
em plântulas de milho em solução nutritiva. Revista brasileira de ciência do solo, 
Campinas, SP, v. 21, p. 47-50, 1997.  
 
NICOCHELLI, L. M.; NASCENTES, R.; LIMA, E. B. N. R.; SOARES, F. S. Sorção de 
potássio em amostras de solo submetidas à aplicação de vinhaça. Revista 
Brasileira de Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental, v. 16, n. 7, p. 754-760, 2012. 
 
NUNES, M. R.; VELLOSO, A. C. X.; LEAL, J. R. Efeito da vinhaça nos cátions 
trocáveis e outros elementos químicos do solo. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, 
v.16, n.2, p.171-176, 1981. 
 
NUNES, M.R., LEAL, J.R. AND VELLOSO, A.C.X. Effect ofland disposal of vinasse 
on the leaching of soil nutrients III. Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium. Pesquisa 
Agropecuária Brasileiria, v. 17, n. 3, p. 371-374, 1982. 
 
OLIVEIRA, W. S.; BRITO, M. E. B.; ALVES, R. A. B.; SOUZA, A. S.; SILVA, E. G. 
Cultivo da cana-de-açúcar sob fertirrigação com vinhaça e adubação mineral. 
Revista Verde de Agroecologia e Desenvolvimento Sustentável, v. 9, n. 1, p. 01-
05, 2014. 
 
RODELLA, A.A.; FERRARI, S.E. A composição da vinhaça e efeitos de sua 
aplicação como fertilizante na cana-de-açúcar. Brasil Açucareiro, v. 90, n. 7, p. 
380-387, 1977. 
 
RODRIGUES, D.J. Fisiologia da cana-de-açúcar. Botucatu: UNESP, 1995. 100 p. 
 
SILVA, A. P. M.; BONO, J. A. M.; PEREIRA, F. A. R. Aplicação de vinhaça na cultura 
da cana-de-açúcar: Efeito no solo e na produtividade de colmos. Revista Brasileira 
de Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental, v.18, n.1, p.38-43, 2014. 
 

http://lattes.cnpq.br/2211664845397305
http://lattes.cnpq.br/3152600768669100


115 
 

  

1
15

 

SILVA, G.M.A. Efeitos da aplicação da vinhaça como fertilizante em cana-de-açúcar. 
Boletim Técnico Copersucar, v. 7, p. 9-14, 1978. 
 
TUMA, J., SKALICKY, M., TUMOVA, L., BLÁHOVÁ, P., & ROSULKOVA, M. 
Potassium, magnesium and calcium content in individual parts of Phaseolus vulgaris 
L. plant as related to potassium and magnesium nutrition. Plant Soil and 
Environment, v. 50, n. 1, p. 18-26, 2004.