UPDATES

Published by the SRA-La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center La Granja, La Carlota City Negros Occidental, Philippines ? 0973-222-810
Vol. 2 No. 5 September 1998 UNION HIKARI LIQUID FERTILIZER (UHLF): THE POTENTIAL SUBSTITUTE FOR INORGANIC N FERTILIZER FOR SUGARCANE Union Hikari Liquid Fertilizer is a by-product in the manufacture of monosodium glutamate (Ajinomoto) where the base material is cane molasses. This liquid fertilizer contains not less than 5% N in the form of ammonium chloride, amino nitrogen and protein nitrogen, which varies in degrees of effectiveness and time of release when applied in the soil. Other nutrients that are present in the liquid fertilizer are phosphate (0.25%), potassium (1.98%), CaO (0.57%), MgO (0.424%) with trace elements such as Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu and S. The liquid fertilizer may be applied at the rate of 3.5 to 5 tons per hectare which is equivalent to 175-250 kg N and 35-50 kg K per hectare. Experiments conducted in Guimbalaon sandy clay loam soil using this liquid fertilizer gave comparable results with inorganic N fertilization. Tonnage (TC/Ha), rendement (LKg/TC), and sugar yield LKg/Ha of Phil 8013 were statistically comparable among the different treatments on both limed and unlimed experiments (Tables 1 and 2).
Table 1. Effect of UHLF on TC/Ha, LKg/TC and LKg/Ha of Phil 8013 on unlimed Guimbalaon sandy clay loam soil. Treatments TC/HA LKg/TC LKg/HA 4 T UHLF 85.12 2.27 192.63 5 T UHLF 91.67 2.26 206.69 2T UHLF+0.5 RR 85.61 2.28 194.89 1.28T UHLF +18-46-0* 81.09 2.31 187.33 RR** (105-105-0) 81.70 2.32 189.51 Mean 85.04 2.29 194.21 CF ns ns ns CV(%) 11.2 1.8 10.40
*Equivalent to Recommended Rate **RR- recommended rate based on soil analysis ns - not significant

SRA-LGAREC

Table 2. Effect of UHLF on TC/Ha, LKg/TC and LKg/Ha of Phil 8013 on limed Guimbalaon sandy clay loam soil. Treatments TC/HA LKg/TC LKg/HA 215.98 2.28 94.69 4 T UHLF 198.26 2.20 90.06 5 T UHLF 184.83 2.30 80.53 2T UHLF+0.5 RR 176.24 2.29 77.17 1.28TUHLF +18-46-0* 178.76 2.29 78.35 RR** (105-105-0) Mean 84.16 2.27 190.71 CF ns ns ns CV(%) 10.70 3.3 9.6
*Equivalent to Recommended Rate **RR- recommended rate based on soil analysis ns - not significant

Longer and heavier stalks obtained from fields applied with 4 and 5 tons per hectare UHLF resulted to higher tonnage and sugar yield. It was also observed that the soil pH before planting was not affected by UHLF application . Based on plantation practice the use of fertilizer substitute offers convenience when labor is limited and lowers the cost of production because it is custom applied and UHLF is a multi-nutrient fertilizer. The planters save on cost of handling, hauling and application of fertilizer by as much as P307.00/ha in the plant cane and P3,570.00/ha in ratoon. The higher savings in ratoon is due to nonapplication of ammonium phosphate and muriate of potash. METHOD OF APPLICATION Prior to planting, Union Hikari Liquid Fertilizer (UHLF) can be applied in the furrow and covered with thin layer of soil. In commercial plantations a tractor-drawn special applicator is provided by the UHLF supplier. Blanket application of the liquid fertilizer is done before the last harrowing. /glr
Source: Bombio, R. M. 1998. Adaptation Trials on the Use of Union Hikari Liquid Fertilizer (UHLF) for Sugarcane in Guimbalaon sandy clay loam soil (Cooperative study between SRA and Union Hikari Fertilizer Industries Inc.) For inquiries, write or call: Union Hikari Fertilizer Industries, Inc. Daan Banwa, Victorias City Tel. (034) 399-29-88 Cell Nos. (0918) 673-0770 and (0915) 301-2840

Although statistically comparable, it can be noted that higher tonnage and sugar yield were obtained in plants applied with 4 or 5 tons per hectare UHLF as compared to those applied with the recommended fertilizer rates based on soil analysis.