Growing Strong: The Role of Manganese and Gypsum in Healthy Sugarcane on Clay Soils

Clay soils present both opportunities and challenges when it comes to sugarcane production. While they tend to hold water and nutrients well, their dense structure can also limit root development, aeration, and the availability of critical micronutrients. In this month’s blog, we take a close look at two vital inputs for sugarcane growers working with clay soils: manganese and gypsum.

Part One: Manganese – A Micronutrient That Makes a Big Difference

Understanding Manganese Deficiency in Clay Soils

Manganese (Mn) is a trace element, but its role in sugarcane health is anything but minor. Manganese plays a critical role in photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and overall plant metabolism. Without it, sugarcane struggles to reach its full potential—particularly in clay soils.

Clay soils often have high pH levels, especially when over-limed or poorly drained, which reduces manganese availability to plants. Manganese is more soluble—and thus more available—in slightly acidic conditions. As pH rises above 6.5, manganese becomes less accessible to plant roots, leading to deficiency symptoms even if the total Mn content in the soil is adequate.

Symptoms of Manganese Deficiency in Sugarcane

Sugarcane plants suffering from manganese deficiency often display:

• Pale, yellowing leaves with interveinal chlorosis (light-coloured tissue between dark green veins)

• Stunted growth and weak stalks

• Delayed maturity and reduced sugar content

If left untreated, manganese deficiency can dramatically reduce crop yield and quality.

Manganese deficiency first appears on younger leaves. Interveinal chlorosis occurs from the leaf tip toward the middle of the leaf. Credit: J. Orlando Filho

Why Sugarcane Needs Manganese

Sugarcane is a high biomass crop that requires substantial metabolic activity to sustain its rapid growth. Manganese is involved in:

• Chlorophyll production, which drives photosynthesis

• Lignin formation, strengthening cell walls and stalks

• Disease resistance, as manganese-deficient crops are more susceptible to root rots and fungal infections

By ensuring adequate manganese availability, growers can promote stronger, greener, and more productive sugarcane—especially in clay soils where manganese lock-up is common.

Nutri-Key Manganese Shuttle™ offers chelated manganese in a balanced formulation.

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Part Two: Product Spotlight – NUTRI-GYP™ NATURAL GYPSUM

When it comes to managing clay soils, NUTRI-GYP™ NATURAL GYPSUM is one of the most effective tools in a grower's arsenal. This premium-grade, naturally sourced calcium sulphate dihydrate provides a host of benefits—especially for sugarcane.

Why Gypsum Matters in Clay Soils

Clay soils are notorious for being compacted, slow-draining, and poorly aerated. These conditions restrict root growth and limit the uptake of nutrients like manganese. This is where gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) makes a real difference.

Gypsum improves clay soils by:

• Reducing compaction: Calcium in gypsum replaces sodium in the soil structure, helping to flocculate (clump) clay particles into larger aggregates. This enhances soil porosity and root penetration.

• Improving water infiltration and drainage: Looser soil allows water to move more freely, reducing waterlogging and promoting healthier root zones.

• Supplying calcium and sulphur: These two secondary nutrients support plant cell wall structure and protein synthesis, respectively—key to sugarcane vigour.

Why We Recommend NUTRI-GYP™

NUTRI-GYP™ NATURAL GYPSUM stands out for its:

• High purity: Low in contaminants, making it safe for repeated application

• Consistent particle size: Ensures even spread and effective soil reaction

• Natural origin: Ideal for regenerative and sustainable farming practices

When applied to sugarcane crops on clay soils, NUTRI-GYP™ enhances root development, boosts nutrient uptake (including manganese), and improves overall crop resilience.

A natural gypsum which is rated Grade 1.

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Final Thoughts

In challenging clay soils, micronutrient deficiencies and poor structure often go hand in hand. Addressing both with a combined approach—correcting manganese deficiency and improving soil structure with gypsum—can lead to substantial gains in sugarcane health, yield, and profitability.

At Aztec Dynamics, we support North Queensland growers with the right nutrients, tools, and local expertise. For more information on soil and leaf testing, manganese supplements, or to order NUTRI-GYP™, get in touch with our team today.

Clay soil? Get it tested today!

References

Australian Sugarcane Research Institute. (n.d.). Managing micronutrients in sugarcane. https://asri.org.au/resources

Bell, M. J., Moody, P. W., & Connellan, J. (2013). Soil fertility and nutrient management in sugarcane production. In R. C. Muchow & J. A. Bellamy (Eds.), Sugarcane: Research toward efficient and sustainable production (pp. 197–219). CSIRO Publishing.

Duarte, L. F. A., Oliveira, R. P., & Rossetto, R. (2020). Manganese deficiency in sugarcane: Diagnosis and management strategies. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo, 44, e0190204. https://doi.org/10.36783/18069657rbcs20190204

Edmeades, D. C. (2015). The use of gypsum in agriculture: Part 1—Understanding gypsum and its use in agriculture. Fertilizer and Lime Research Centre, Occasional Report No. 28. Massey University. https://flrc.massey.ac.nz

Fageria, N. K., Baligar, V. C., & Clark, R. B. (2002). Micronutrients in crop production. Advances in Agronomy, 77, 185–268. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2113(02)77015-6

Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. (2018). Soil health and nutrient management for sugarcane. https://www.daf.qld.gov.au

Tandon, H. L. S. (2007). Fertilizers in Indian agriculture – From 20th to 21st century. Fertiliser Development and Consultation Organisation.