Sugarcane Fields Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT OF A MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR TRANSPLANTING SUGARCANE (Saccharum spp. Hybrids) SPROUTS

Manual planting of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrids) in Mexico is slow and eye-bud germination is deficient. Alternative planting methods have to be adopted in order to improve sugarcane field productivity. This work score the field performance of a tractor mounted planter prototype when transplanting two months old nursery growth sugarcane (Saccharum spp) sprouts, in relation to parameters; sound sprouts treatments, row separation between seedlings, up right placement into the soil, appropriate soil covering and field uniformity at planting. This mechanical equipment was trialed when operating on a readily soil tilled for sugarcane planting, although slightly stoned on the surface. Tractor and implement combination was set to travel at a field speed of 0.3 m s-1 when laying seedlings into the row at 900 mm separation. Transplanting separation between seedlings onto the row had a variation of 3.4%. When assisted by two laborers for planting, the tractor and implement combination can achieve a field capacity of 2.5 ha day-1. Thus, for a field capacity of 2 ha day-1 and operating a 120 workdays per planting season, investment on the machine can be claimed in two years’ time. Consequently, planting of sugarcane sprouts by using the planter prototype is up to eight times more economical when compared to manual transplanting.

Combining sterile insect releases with refuge areas to delay the evolution of resistance to Bt sugarcane: an agent-based modeling approach.

The strategic use of refuge areas is a well-known method for delaying the development of pest resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crop. A lesser-known method to control against resistance development is sterile insect releases. In this article, an agent-based simulation model is used to test the effectiveness of combining the use of Bt sugarcane, refuge areas, and sterile insect releases as an integrated strategy against Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) infestation and resistance development. Individual insects are modeled with their own genetic traits on a simulated sugarcane field that represents either Bt or refuge area. The model is applied to 2 hypothetical case studies. In the first experiment, resistance development and infestation dynamics in Bt sugarcane without refuge areas are considered using various sterile:wild sterile release ratios, and different release distributions. In the second experiment, the inclusion of a refuge area in Bt sugarcane is considered, using various sterile:wild releases ratios and different release distributions. A trade-off between sterile insect releases and the use of the refuge area was observed, and could, in some cases, work against each other.

Response of Soil Moisture to Precipitation at Different Smash-Ridging Tillage Depths in Typical Sugarcane Fields in Guangxi, China

Response of Soil Moisture to Precipitation at Different Smash-Ridging Tillage Depths in Typical Sugarcane Fields in Guangxi, China

DENSITY OF INDIAN BLUE PEAFOWL (PAVO CRISTATUS) IN DIFFERENT MICROHABITATS AT THANJAVUR DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

A total of 260 observations were taken into account to obtain thedensity of Indian Blue Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in all the transects in the study area. This average abundance consisting of 64 Peacocks, 140 Peahens and 56 chicks were obtained from August 2023 to July 2024 (12 months). The present study area actually covering Thanjavur district (10.7870⁰ N 79.1378⁰ E)which includes the taluks of Kumbakonam, Thiruvidaimaruthur, Papanasam, Thiruvaiyaru and Thanjavur. The data on the abundance of Indian Peafowl were obtained from 57 Transects in the study area and which includes 13 micro habitats. The study area which covering the various microhabitats such paddy crop, cotton plant, bamboo, commercial flower gardens, sugar cane field, banana plant, mango tree groove, coconut tree plantation, bushes of acacia sp, palm tree ground, papaya tree, black gram plant and ground nut plant field etc.All the transects were accounted for density estimation in the study area for Indian Blue Peafowl. Totally 57 transects/areas were studied for the density (Density, Upper Confident Level and Lower Confident Level at 95%) of Indian Blue peafowl. Among the transects, the highest mean density was 8.73/km sampled (Density 8.73 UCL 11.03 and LCL 7.23) observed in Erumaipatti area. Contrary, the lowest mean density of Indian Blue Peafowl was 2.45/km sampled in Rajagiri area (Density 2.45 UCL 4.75 and LCL 0.95). The other transects/areas were recorded the moderate density for Indian Blue Peafowl.The study area covered were 13 type of microhabitats in the study area such Paddy crop, Cotton plant, Bamboo, commercial flower gardens, Sugar cane field, Banana plant, Mango tree groove, Coconut tree plantation, Bushes of Acacia sp, Palm tree ground, Papaya tree, Black gram plantation and Ground nut plant field. The density of Indian Blue fowl was 115.85/ km sampled in paddy field (Density 115.85 UCL 118.15 and LCL 114.55 recorded. The minimum density was obtained (4.38/ km sampled) in the commercial flower gardens (Mean density 4.38 UCL 6.68 and LCL 3.08.The density of Indian Blue fowl in different sex were studied and it showed the highest density was found in the Paddy field in the case of cock. The maximum density was 33.27/km sampled (Density33.27 UCL 35.57 and LCL31.97) in the paddy field. The minimum density of cock were recorded in the ground nut 1.45/km sampled (Density 1.45 UCL 3.75 and LCL 0.15).The density of Indian Blue fowl in the case of hen it was (74.91/km sampled) high (Mean density74.91 UCL 77.21 and LCL 73.61). The low density of hen was recorded (2.55/km sampled) in the commercial flower gardens (Density 2.55 UCL 4.85 and LCL 1.25).The chicks were accounted to find out the density of Indian Blue peafowls and the maximum density was 28.73/km sampled in the paddy field (Density 28.73 UCL 31.03 and LCL 27.43). The minimum density of chicks of peafowl 1.09/km sampled in the ground nut plantations (Density 1.09 UCL 3.39 and LCL 0)were obtained in the study area.

EFFECT OF PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDES ON SOYBEAN CROPS GROWN IN ROTATION WITH SUGARCANE

The need for sugarcane field reform has driven the expansion of soybean cultivation in rotation with sugarcane. Weeds are one of the main reasons for this reform, requiring specific management in rotation. The use of pre-emergence herbicides in soybean is a viable option, but its effectiveness in sandy soils requires further study. In this experiment, we evaluated the performance of pre-emergence herbicides on sugarcane straw, focusing on the control of Digitaria horizontalis. We conducted a field experiment with 11 treatments and four replications, applying herbicides immediately after soybean sowing. All herbicides, except diclosulam, provided efficient control of D. horizontalis, with over 80% control in all evaluated periods. The clomazone+sulfentrazone association showed the highest residual effect, keeping the area clean for up to 21 days after application. Weed-free control resulted in productivity equivalent to 66% of the maximum obtained. The use of cell division inhibitors allowed soybean cultivation to grow without weed competition. We conclude that the use of pre-emergence herbicides in soybean under sugarcane straw resulted in productivity gains due to effective D. horizontalis control. Poaceae plants may have a higher competitive capacity with crops compared to other families; therefore, even with few plants per square meter, species like D. horizontalis can reduce crop productivity. The use of cell division inhibitor molecules, either alone or combined with PROTOX inhibitors, allowed the soybean crop to remain free of weed competition.

ASSESSMENT OF LOSSES IN THE SUGARCANE HARVESTING PROCESS IN THE IVINHEMA VALLEY REGION

Brazil has approximately 18% of its entire arable land destined for sugarcane production. This raw material is of great economic importance to the country, with production of by-products with high added value, such as sugar, alcohol and ethanol. Some states with larger territorial extension are responsible for large-scale production, mainly in the Central-West, Southeast and North regions of the country. The most prominent state, with 53% of all sugarcane cultivation, is São Paulo, followed by Minas Gerais, Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul. Given this, with large-scale production, other challenges begin to emerge, such as the need for cultivation within technological aspects that prevent the occurrence of losses in the production system, from the establishment of sugarcane fields and especially their harvesting and transportation, until the arrival of the raw material within the industrial complex for transformation into by-products. The objective of this study was to analyze and quantify the percentage of losses between the harvesting process and receipt in the industry of freshly harvested sugarcane raw material in the Ivinhema Valley region - Mato Grosso do Sul. The methodology used was a case study, which comprised three months of analysis. With the data analyzed, it was possible to verify that the highest percentage of losses occurs for the portion of producers who carry out their own cultivation, sending their raw material to the industry, generating around 44.02% in losses between the total harvested and received. In addition, harvests further away from the industrial complex presented greater losses of around 9.85% in mineral and vegetable impurities, evidencing that transportation may have influenced the time of receipt.

EVALUACIÓN DEL IMPACTO DE LOS CAMBIOS EN EL USO Y COBERTURA DE LA TIERRA EN EL ESCURRIMIENTO SUPERFICIAL

The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of surface runoff as a result of changes in land use and land cover (LULC), using the Rio Novo basin (Brazil) as the analysis site. To estimate surface runoff, the curve number (NRCS-CN) method was used; as input data, the LULC classifications provided by the MapBiomas project and the pedological map of the state of São Paulo (1:250,000) were used. The Rio Novo basin was discretized into ten sub-basins. The results showed major changes in LULC between 1992 and 2022, with a reduction in pasture areas and an increase in annual crops and sugarcane fields, as well as in urban areas. Such alterations are conditioning factors of changes in Curve Number (CN) values, which imply changes in surface runoff values. For a rainfall of 130 mm (roughly 10-year return period), the surface runoff depth values ranged from 3.21 mm (areas with forest cover on soils in hydrological group A) to 101.35 mm (for urban areas on soils in hydrological group C). The urbanization process that occurred in sub-basins 1, 6, and 9 led to an increase in areas with the highest CN values (CN equal to 85 and 90). Locations with increased surface runoff values should be considered as critical areas, where soil and water losses may occur, thereby compromising water security in the basin. Keywords: NRSC-CN method, Geographic Information System, Water Resources Management, MapBiomas.

Analysis of glyphosate in soil samples from a sugarcane field in Corozal Belize

Analysis of glyphosate in soil samples from a sugarcane field in Corozal Belize

Soil health impact of long‐term sugarcane vinasse recycling

AbstractThe efficient use of vinasse, the primary byproduct of sugarcane ethanol production, is important for the economic and environmental sustainability of the industry. Few studies have quantified the soil health response to long‐term vinasse application, even though this byproduct is generally applied as a potassium (K) source in sugarcane fields. The Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) was used to assess the integrated soil health response in soils with contrasting textures. Chemical, physical, and biological indicators were selected, measured, and integrated into a soil health index for clay‐ and sandy‐textured soils in Brazil. Overall, the application of vinasse improved soil health components in both soils. The results showed that the benefits of vinasse go beyond increasing the K content. Vinasse application showed increased soil organic carbon content, nutrient recycling, and soil physical quality. The long‐term application of vinasse increased the soil health from 49% to 62% in the clayey soil and from 43% to 61% in the sandy clay soil. The findings therefore revealed the potential of vinasse application to reduce the need for synthetic fertilizer and promote the circular economy and soil health regardless of soil type. This study verifies that the long‐term application of vinasse to sandy‐ and clay‐texture soils in Brazil has both economic and environmental benefits because it recycles an important ethanol byproduct and enhances soil health.

DEM simulation of subsoiling in tropical sugarcane fields: Effects of opposing subsoiler design and model parameters

During the subsoiling operation of clayey soil in sugarcane fields in tropical areas, there are key limitations such as high resistance caused by high adhesion and unsatisfactory subsoiling effects of machines and tools. To address these issues, this study first explored the machine's structural characteristics using a mechanism analysis method to identify key optimization parameters. Then, simulation tests were conducted based on the root-soil complex model. Single factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of backsweep angle, plow spacing, and penetration angle on tillage resistance and soil disturbance, determining their optimal ranges. Finally, a multi-factor orthogonal rotation combination experiment was designed using Box-Behnken theory to optimize the subsoiler's structural parameters. The regression analysis results show that the optimized model significantly improves the reliability of simulation results. Field verification test results show that under the conditions of a sweep angle of 50°, a plow spacing of 60 cm, and a soil penetration angle of 45°, the average tillage resistance of subsoiling operations is significantly reduced to 76.2 kN, and the amount of soil disturbance is reduced to 1780cm². The optimization reduced tillage resistance and soil disturbance by 34.42% and 30.50% respectively, significantly improving the subsoiling performance. To our knowledge, this is the first work applying discrete element methods to subsoiling operations in red clay soils in sugarcane growing areas. The proposed machine structure has higher efficiency and better performance, providing an effective reference for the design and application of sugarcane field subsoiling machinery.

Time Series Analysis of Sugarcane Plant Height and Planting Area Identification Based on DPRVI and RF Algorithm

With the modernisation of agriculture, the time series analysis of sugarcane growth and the identification of planting areas play an important role in the investigation and detection of agriculture. The study conducted a time series analysis of sugarcane plant height and identification of planting areas based on dual polarisation radar vegetation index and random forest algorithm. Firstly, dual-polarisation radar vegetation index data of sugarcane were obtained using Sentienl-1A radar remote sensing data for time-series analysis of sugarcane plant height. Then the random forest model was applied to the regression and classification of Sentinel-2A remote sensing images for sugarcane plantation area identification. According to the findings, sugarcane field 4 had an R2 value of 0.835 in the quadratic regression model inversion, and the average absolute difference between the model’s predicted plant height and the actual value was only 7.3%. It shows that the dual-polarization radar vegetation index has great reliability and is capable of accurately predicting sugarcane plant height during the pre-growth stage. The user and producer accuracies are as high as 0.911 and 0.989, respectively, and the overall accuracies and Kappa coefficients are as high as 0.976 and 0.932, respectively, indicating that the Random Forest with multi-temporal phase and multi-feature is able to effectively identify sugarcane planting areas. The accuracy under multi-temporal phase and multi-feature is better than the single-temporal phase. It offers a trustworthy way for developing contemporary agricultural policy and development planning.

Improving Sphenophorus levis Adult Mortality Through Solid Insecticide Applications and Increased Insecticide Dose.

The sugarcane weevil (Sphenophorus levis Vaurie, 1978) is currently considered the most important sugarcane pest in Brazil, causing significant yield losses. Application methods of insecticides for S. levis control have not been effective, mostly due to the insect's cryptic behavior below the soil surface which suppresses the correct placement of insecticide active ingredients on target. Two experiments were conducted using an innovative bioassay methodology that simulates sugarcane field conditions to effectively evaluate S. levis adult mortality and insecticide residues in the soil under different treatments. The first experiment aimed to assess the efficacy of two liquid- and solid-applied insecticides, while the second aimed to examine the effect of increasing the dose of lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam on S. levis adult control. The novel bioassays simulated liquid and solid insecticide applications on sugarcane by exposing S. levis adults to chemical residuals on rhizomes and in soil after insecticide application. In the first experiment, low S. levis adult control was detected (< 53% mortality) across all treatments, where both solid and liquid applications of lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam provided greater efficacy levels than imidacloprid and control treatments, respectively. Solid applications maintained higher insecticide concentrations in the soil for longer periods than liquid insecticide applications, providing maximum insect control levels 7days after application. The second experiment revealed that solid applications at higher insecticide doses significantly improved control of S. levis adult (76.7% mortality) and resulted in greater insecticide concentrations in the soil compared to the recommended label rate (58.8% mortality).

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Discolaimus haridwarensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Dorylaimida: Qudsianematidae) from India

Discolaimus haridwarensis sp. n. is described from agricultural fields of sugarcane in the Haridwar district, India. It is characterized by its 2.11–2.32 mm long body, lip region offset by deep constriction and 27–30 μm wide, odontostyle 20–23 μm long with aperture occupying 50–54% of its length, 436–487 μm long neck, pharyngeal expansion 57–59% of total neck length, uterus a simple tube-like structure 22–31 μm long or 0.3–0.5 times the corresponding body diameter, pars refringens vaginae absent, transverse vulva (V = 48–55), female tail conoid (34–40 µm, c = 53–68, c′ = 1.0–1.3) with rounded terminus, and males absent. The phylogenetic analysis inferred from the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA gene and 18S rRNA gene sequences showed that Discolaimus haridwarensis sp. n. clustered with other dorylaimid species from the genus Discolaimus and the subfamily Discolaiminae.

Evaluation of Sugarcane Crop Growth Monitoring Using Vegetation Indices Derived from RGB-Based UAV Images and Machine Learning Models

Crop monitoring with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has the potential to reduce field monitoring costs while increasing monitoring frequency and improving efficiency. However, the utilization of RGB-based UAV imagery for crop-specific monitoring, especially for sugarcane, remains limited. This work proposes a UAV platform with an RGB camera as a low-cost solution to monitor sugarcane fields, complementing the commonly used multi-spectral methods. This new approach optimizes the RGB vegetation indices for accurate prediction of sugarcane growth, providing many improvements in scalable crop-management methods. The images were captured by a DJI Mavic Pro drone. Four RGB vegetation indices (VIs) (GLI, VARI, GRVI, and MGRVI) and the crop surface model plant height (CSM_PH) were derived from the images. The fractional vegetation cover (FVC) values were compared by image classification. Sugarcane plant height predictions were generated using two machine learning (ML) algorithms—multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest (RF)—which were compared across five predictor combinations (CSM_PH and four VIs). At the early stage, all VIs showed significantly lower values than later stages (p &lt; 0.05), indicating an initial slow progression of crop growth. MGRVI achieved a classification accuracy of over 94% across all growth phases, outperforming traditional indices. Based on the feature rankings, VARI was the least sensitive parameter, showing the lowest correlation (r &lt; 0.5) and mutual information (MI &lt; 0.4). The results showed that the RF and MLR models provided better predictions for plant height. The best estimation results were observed withthe combination of CSM_PH and GLI utilizing RF model (R2 = 0.90, RMSE = 0.37 m, MAE = 0.27 m, and AIC = 21.93). This study revealed that VIs and the CSM_PH derived from RGB images captured by UAVs could be useful in monitoring sugarcane growth to boost crop productivity.

Carbon Sequestration by Potassium-Modified Bagasse Biochar in Manganese-Contaminated Sugarcane Field Soils

Carbon Sequestration by Potassium-Modified Bagasse Biochar in Manganese-Contaminated Sugarcane Field Soils

Mapping Gaps in Sugarcane Fields in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Imagery Using YOLOv5 and ImageJ

Sugarcane plays a pivotal role in the Brazilian economy as a primary crop. This semi-perennial crop allows for multiple harvests throughout its life cycle. Given its longevity, farmers need to be mindful of avoiding gaps in sugarcane fields, as these interruptions in planting lines negatively impact overall crop productivity over the years. Recognizing and mapping planting failures becomes essential for replanting operations and productivity estimation. Due to the scale of sugarcane cultivation, manual identification and mapping prove impractical. Consequently, solutions utilizing drone imagery and computer vision have been developed to cover extensive areas, showing satisfactory effectiveness in identifying gaps. However, recognizing small gaps poses significant challenges, often rendering them unidentifiable. This study addresses this issue by identifying and mapping gaps of any size while allowing users to determine the gap size. Preliminary tests using YOLOv5 and ImageJ 1.53k demonstrated a high success rate, with a 96.1% accuracy in identifying gaps of 50 cm or larger. These results are favorable, especially when compared to previously published works.

Reducing nitrogen fertilizer applications mitigates N2O emissions and maintains sugarcane yields in South China

Fertilizer N application combined with crop residue retention and a warm and humid climate increases nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from sugarcane systems. However, the effects of high fertilizer N application rates on N2O emissions from sugarcane fields in China and the N2O reduction potential are still unclear. This study measured N2O emissions, the δ15N values for N2O and soil mineral N (NH4+ and NO3–), and yields during three continuous growing seasons in a sugarcane field in subtropical South China when four fertilizer N application rates: 0 (N0), 300 (N300), 400 (N400), and the local conventional rate of 500 kg N ha–1 (N500), were applied. The results showed that N2O emissions peaked in the first 4 weeks after fertilizer N application and the peak amplitude was highest after applying the N500 rate. The greatest soil N2O fluxes occurred when soil NH4+ and NO3– contents were high, the soil pore spaces contained large amounts of water (around 60 %), and there was a high soil surface temperature (around 35°C). The cumulative N2O emissions over the whole season (1.3–64.8 kg N ha–1) and emission factor values (2.6–11.1 %) both strongly increased with fertilizer N rate. The δ15N values for N2O and soil NH4+ and NO3– indicated that N2O production after N fertilization was dominated by denitrification and the microbial types varied with time and N fertilization rate. The principal component analysis showed that the factors associated with denitrification and nitrification explained 53.53 % and 30.53 % of the variation in N2O fluxes, respectively. Sugarcane yields, N uptake, and sugar contents were not affected by the reduced fertilizer N rates (N400 and N300) compared to that of N500. A reasonable N fertilizer rate of around 340 kg N ha–1 could reduce N2O emissions by more than 65 % compared to the conventional N500 rates while maintaining sugarcane yields. This study quantified the N2O emissions induced by different fertilizer N rates in a sugarcane system in China and highlighted the considerable potential for reducing N2O emissions through optimization of the fertilizer N application rate.

Residential proximity to sugarcane fields and kidney function among Nicaraguan youth

Residential proximity to sugarcane fields and kidney function among Nicaraguan youth

Impacts of bulk density and water content on the tire-soil contact area of agricultural field vehicles

We tested the hypothesis that the increase in soil stiffness, induced by variations in bulk density and water content at the tire-soil contact interface, causes a reduction in the contact area. For this, we examined the contact area from different tire-ground contact scenarios and compared the measurements and simulations using a contact area description model. Front and rear tractor tires were used for the measurement of the contact area under tilled soil, sugarcane field, unpaved road, and paved ground scenarios, which induced different bulk densities and water content levels. The results revealed that soil stiffness reduced the tire-soil contact area. The tire-soil contact area increased as the water content increased and the bulk density was reduced. For the front tractor tire, the theoretical contact area was similar to the values found for tilled soil, but there was a large difference between the measurements (2,200 cm2, for the tilled soil) and the theoretical estimates (3,100 cm2) for the rear tractor tire (likely induced by tire dimensions). Our results suggest that increases in soil stiffness reduce the tire-soil contact area. The higher the soil bulk density and the lower the soil moisture, the lower the contact area. The results also revealed that the tire tractor tread might reduce the contact at the hard surface, making the shape of the contact area more geometrically irregular and different from those predicted by models using regular geometry (e.g., cycles, ellipses, or rectangles). This study suggests that two-body (soil and tire) contact models for deformable surfaces should be used in future tire-soil contact models of agricultural field vehicles.

Profiling of rhizosphere bacterial community associated with sugarcane and banana rotation system

BackgroundGuangxi is the leading sugarcane-producing area in China. Due to the Panama disease outbreak in banana gardens, sugarcane and banana rotation was recommended. A field experiment with the newly released sugarcane cultivar Zhongzhe 1 (ZZ1) was conducted to understand the role of the sugarcane–banana rotation system in shaping the rhizosphere microbiota. Fields in the region possess characteristics of red laterite soil.ResultsUsing Illumina HiSeq sequencing to analyze soil samples’ 16S rRNA V3-V4 region, the preceding banana rotation field had relatively greater bacterial diversity than the monoculture sugarcane field. Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria were the dominant phyla, with distinct taxa enriched in each environment. However, the preceding sugarcane monoculture field enriched functional groups related to nitrogen fixation and cellulolysis. Network analysis highlighted contrasting network structures between sugarcane and banana rhizospheres, suggesting differential stability and susceptibility to environmental influences. Furthermore, correlations between soil properties and bacterial alpha-diversity underscored the influence of preceding crops on rhizosphere microbial communities.ConclusionThis research enhances our understanding of crop rotation effects on soil microbial ecology and provides insights into optimizing agricultural practices for enhanced soil health and crop productivity. Future studies should explore the underlying mechanisms driving these interactions and evaluate the long-term impacts of crop rotation on soil microbial dynamics.Graphical abstract