Effect of prior rice culture on sugarcane yields in Florida

Abstract

Abstract This study analyzes the effect of prior rice (Oryza sativa L.) culture upon yields of subsequent sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) plant crops in south Florida. Cane crops following rice cultivation were compared with those from nearby fields that were summer fallowed. Information was obtained from producers' records and included geographical location, sugarcane varieties, planting and harvesting dates, and yield data expressed as net tonnes sugarcane per ha, percent sucrose in normal juice and tonne sugar per ha. Ordinary least squares regression was used to derive equations to estimate what was termed the “rice culture effect.” Cane yields showed increases of 17.7 net tonnes millable sugarcane per ha, 0.73% sucrose in normal juice, and 2 tonnes sugar per ha after rice as compared with fallow. This increase represented $376 per ha using figures for the 1983–84 season. The results should prove useful in areas where a crop of rice can be grown in place of a fallow.