Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is one of the most important crops for Brazilian agribusiness, with the country standing out as the world's largest producer and exporter of sugar and ethanol. However, for the crop to reach its maximum productive and quality potential, it is essential that the plants receive balanced and complete nutrition. One of the biggest challenges faced by producers in tropical soils is the so-called “hidden hunger” for micronutrients, which, despite not presenting visible symptoms of deficiency, significantly compromises productivity and profitability. Route Chemicals, with its complete nutritional program, offers an innovative and scientifically proven solution to correct this deficiency, combining high-performance foliar fertilizers to ensure the full development of sugarcane.
Micronutrient deficiency in tropical soils is a widespread problem that affects several crops, including sugar cane. Most Brazilian soils are acidic and have low natural availability of micronutrients such as boron (B), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo) [1]. Boron, in particular, is one of the most deficient micronutrients in sugarcane plantations, being crucial for the transport of sugars, cell wall formation, cell division and root and flower development [2]. A lack of boron, even at levels that do not cause visible symptoms (hidden hunger), can reduce productivity by up to 10% [3].
Studies demonstrate that hidden micronutrient hunger directly impacts sugarcane yield, resulting in less sucrose accumulation and reduced stalk weight. For example, boron deficiency can lead to a decrease in sucrose content (ATR) and biomass production, compromising the quality and quantity of raw materials for the sugar-energy industry [4].
Route Chemicals offers a complete nutritional program to combat hidden micronutrient hunger, with emphasis on **Boron 10 Route Fertilizer**. This product has 10% w/v of boron in a chelated formulation, ensuring high foliar absorption and rapid translocation within the plant. Chelatization protects the nutrient from unwanted reactions in the spray tank and on the leaf surface, optimizing its availability to the plant. In addition to Boron 10, the program includes other foliar fertilizers with essential micronutrients and **Route Adjuvants**, which improve application efficiency by reducing drift, increasing spreadability and nutrient penetration into the leaves.
Specific dosages vary depending on the crop and soil needs, but for sugarcane, it is recommended to apply 1.0 to 2.0 L/ha of Boro 10 Route Fertilizer during crop development and in the pre-maturation phase. Application must be carried out via foliar spray, preferably at times of lower temperature and higher relative humidity to maximize absorption. The application methodology must follow good agricultural practices, using calibrated equipment to ensure uniformity of coverage.
With the implementation of the Route nutritional program, the expected results are significant and quantifiable. Producers can expect an increase in sugarcane productivity, with gains of up to 10% in tons per hectare (TCH) and improvement in sucrose content (ATR), resulting in greater profitability. Correcting hidden micronutrient hunger strengthens the plant, making it more resistant to abiotic stresses and diseases, and optimizes the efficiency of other agricultural inputs.
The effectiveness of Route Chemicals products and nutritional programs is backed by a solid scientific foundation. The company continually invests in research and development, with more than 50 studies carried out in partnership with federal universities and renowned research institutions. These studies prove the efficiency of Route foliar fertilizers in correcting nutritional deficiencies, increasing productivity and improving the quality of sugar cane. The practical results obtained in the field, in several producing regions, corroborate the scientific data, demonstrating the positive impact of Route technology on the performance of sugarcane fields. Comparisons with untreated areas or areas treated with conventional products consistently show the superiority of the Route nutritional program in terms of productivity gains and profitability for the producer.
The hidden hunger for micronutrients is a real challenge that compromises the productivity and profitability of sugarcane cultivation. Strategic foliar nutrition, with high-technology products such as Route Boro 10 Fertilizer and Route Chemicals' complete nutritional program, is the key to overcoming this barrier and achieving higher levels of productivity. Invest in the health of your sugarcane field and reap the rewards of a stronger and more productive crop. To learn more about our solutions and how we can help maximize your results, visit our website [https://routechemicals.com.br](https://routechemicals.com.br) or follow us on Instagram [@routeagrichemicals](https://www.instagram.com/routeagrichemicals/). Get in touch with our technical team and discover the potential of your crop!
References
[1] ILSA BRAZIL. Importance of applying micronutrients in sugarcane cultivation to increase sucrose. Available at: <https://ilsabrasil.com.br/importancia-da-aplicacao-de-micronutrientes-na-cultura-da-cana-de-acucar-para-aumento-de-sacarose/>. Accessed on: 7 Aug. 2025.
[2] AGRICULTURE BRAZIL. Boron deficiency in sugarcane. Available at: <https://agricultura-brasil.borax.com/crop-guides/cereals-and-sugar-cane/sugar-cane>. Accessed on: 7 Aug. 2025.
[3] MULTI-TECHNIQUE. Benefits of foliar fertilization on sugarcane productivity. Available at: <https://multitecnica.com.br/beneficios-da-adubacao-foliar-na-produtividade-da-cana-de-acucar/>. Accessed on: 7 Aug. 2025.
[4] AGRITECH GREEN. Boron deficiency in sugarcane: find out what the symptoms are and how to avoid it. Available at: <https://blog.verde.ag/pt/nutricao-de-plantas/deficiencia-de-boro-na-cana/>. Accessed on: 7 Aug. 2025.
[5] H2 AGROSCIENCES. Foliar fertilization in sugarcane: what you need to know?. Available at: <https://h2agrosciences.com.br/blog/nutricao-de-plantas/adubacao-foliar-em-cana-de-acucar/>. Accessed on: 7 Aug. 2025.
