The K level found in first ratoon soil was considered
low. This is thought to be in part due to leaching of K to
lower soil layers and, at the same time, to K uptake by
sugarcane plants since this is the most consumed element
by plants of that species and soil samples were taken
6-mo after ratoon plants had started to sprout. According
to Coelho and Verlengia (1973), approximately 50% of
total K absorbed during the vegetative phase of the plant
is absorbed when plants are between 5- and 9-mo of age
with a strong influence by the amount of rain (Figure 1)
and soil conditions.