Predication of Photosynthetic Leaf Gas Exchange of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp) Leaves in Response to Leaf Positions to Foliar Spray of Potassium Salt of Active Phosphorus under Limited Water Irrigation

Sufficient water and fertilizer inputs in agriculture play a major role in crop growth, production, and quality. In this study, the response of sugarcane to limited water irrigation and foliar application of potassium salt of active phosphorus (PSAP) for photosynthetic responses were examined, and PSAP's role in limited water irrigation management was assessed. Sugarcane plants were subjected to limited irrigation (95-90 and 45-40% FC) after three months of germination, followed by a foliar spray (0, 2, 4, 6, and 10 M) of PSAP. The obtained results indicated that limited water irrigation negatively affected sugarcane growth and reduced leaf gas exchange activities. However, the application of PSAP increased the photosynthetic activities by protecting the photosynthetic machinery during unfavorable conditions. Mathematical modeling, a Skewed model, was developed and compared with the existing Gaussian model to describe the photosynthetic responses of sugarcane leaves under the limited irrigation with and without PSAP application. The models fitted well with the observed values, and the predicted photosynthetic parameters were in close relationship with the obtained results. The Skewed model was found to be better than the Gaussian model in describing the photosynthetic parameters of plant leaves positioned over a stem of limited water irrigation and applied PSAP application and is recommended for further application.

Automated summary

Adequate water and fertilizer inputs in agriculture are crucial for crop growth and production. This study explored the impact of limited water irrigation and foliar application of PSAP on sugarcane photosynthetic responses, finding that PSAP application can enhance photosynthetic activities under limited water conditions. The developed Skewed model proved to be more effective than the Gaussian model in describing sugarcane photosynthetic responses under limited water irrigation with PSAP application.