Influencing Brix and Pol Levels in Sugarcane

Two important measurements of sugarcane quality are Brix and Pol Levels. oBrix is the content of soluble solids of the first stage juice processed by plant, assessed by refractometry tests.

Pol (Polarization measurement) is the sucrose content in the juice. Some regions also use Sucrose% as an alternative to Pol%. Sugar contains about 98% Sucrose or 98 degrees Pol. It is determined by using a polarimeter or a sucrolyser.

Crop Nutrition and Brix and Pol Levels in Sugarcane

Potassium

Potassium has a key role to play in sugar synthesis and its translocation to the cane. Potassium improves sugar quality by increasing Pol and Brix leves.

In trials with foliar potassium applied to the plant 6-8 weeks prior to harvest, the researchers also reported a 15.1% increase in °Brix, an increase in POL of 20% and a reduction in cane fiber of 28%. It is also important to have sufficient potassium available to utilize the assimilated nitrogen in the cane to bring about good crop maturity and ensure that reducing sugars are converted to sucrose.

Magnesium

Magnesium supply helps maintain sucrose content in the cane by boosting protein synthesis. Sugar is also influenced by magnesium supply and sucrose content is reduced where magnesium nutrition is inadequate.

Sulfur

Research confirms that sulfur has an effect on a range of characteristics that influence sugar quality, including Brix, Pol, juice purity and CCS.