Sugarcane Production Systems Research Articles

Guidance on applying the viable system model

Purpose – Although many cases where viable system model (VSM) was successfully applied exist, hardly any literature advises the novice VSM user regarding the accomplishment of a VSM diagnosis. The purpose of this paper is to show practitioners and researchers how to conduct a VSM diagnosis. The paper further seeks to encourage others to apply VSM and to share their experience with using VSM. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides detailed guidelines on how to conduct a VSM diagnosis in conjunction with qualitative research methods. It outlines the data collection, analysis and presentation of results. Findings – VSM is an outstanding diagnostic tool. Qualitative research methods provide access to the essential information for the VSM diagnosis and should be used in iteration with VSM. They can enhance the VSM diagnosis by focusing on the soft aspects in the investigated system. The VSM language needs to be adapted to the specific context in which VSM is used and VSM can be applied in a participatory manner. Further research needs to explore possibilities to strengthen the handling of detected shortcomings that were revealed during the VSM diagnosis. Research limitations/implications – This paper is based on one experience with the VSM application and other VSM users might provide different insights. Originality/value – There is little practical advice in existing literature regarding the accomplishment of a VSM diagnosis. This paper addresses that gap. In addition, VSM has not been applied to a sugarcane production and supply system before.

Long-Term Effects of Spent Wash Liquor on Soil Bacterial Population in Sugar Cane Production Systems

Long-Term Effects of Spent Wash Liquor on Soil Bacterial Population in Sugar Cane Production Systems

Sugarcane Harvester Technology: A Critical Overview

Abstract. Harvesting is a crucial component of sugarcane production system. In this article, we critically reviewed harvesting technologies currently being used in commercial sugarcane production. A brief introduction of two harvesting practices were presented (burnt cane harvesting and green cane harvesting) and two harvesting modes (whole stalk harvesting and chopper harvesting) were introduced including a brief discussion on their advantages, limitations, and technical challenges. It is followed by a comprehensive review of two core technologies of current sugarcane harvesters: cane base cutting and feeding mechanisms. The influence of base cutter kinematic and geometric parameters, such as blade cutting velocity, disc tilt angle, blade number, blade oblique angle, and blade shape on harvesting efficiency and cutting quality, were reviewed. Relevant inventions and technologies used to adjust feeding rate, arrange stalks into uniform orientation, and maintain uniform billet lengths were reviewed and summarized. In addition, anti-plugging apparatus used to improve feeding efficiency were discussed. Finally, potential new technologies were recommended for improving the performance and adaptability of sugarcane harvesters.

Decomposição de resíduos culturais de cana-de-açúcar submetidos a diferentes doses de nitrogênio

The deposition of organic residues through mechanical harvesting of cane sugar is a growing practice in sugarcane production system. The maintenance of these residues on the soil surface depends mainly on environmental conditions. Nitrogen fertilization on dry residues tend to retard decomposition of these, providing benefits such as increased SOM. Thus, the object of this research was to evaluate the effect of different doses of nitrogen on sugar cane crop residues, as its decomposition and contribution to carbon sequestration in soil. The experiment was conducted in Dourados-MS and consisted of a randomized complete block design. Dried residues were placed in litter bags and the treatments were arranged in a split plot, being the four nitrogen rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1 N) the plots, and the seven sampling times (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180) the spit plots. Decomposition rates of residues, total organic carbon and labile carbon on soil were analysed. The application of increasing N doses resulted in an increase in their decomposition rates. Despite this, note also the mineral N application as a strategy to get higher levels of labile carbon in soil.

Recombinant cellulase accumulation in the leaves of mature, vegetatively propagated transgenic sugarcane.

The cost of enzymes that hydrolyse lignocellulosic substrates to fermentable sugars needs to be reduced to make cellulosic ethanol a cost-competitive liquid transport fuel. Sugarcane is a perennial crop and the successful integration of cellulase transgenes into the sugarcane production system requires that transgene expression is stable in the ratoon. Herein, we compared the accumulation of recombinant fungal cellobiohydrolase I (CBH I), fungal cellobiohydrolase II (CBH II), and bacterial endoglucanase (EG) in the leaves of mature, initial transgenic sugarcane plants and their mature ratoon. Mature ratoon events containing equivalent or elevated levels of active CBH I, CBH II, and EG in the leaves were identified. Further, we have demonstrated that recombinant fungal CBH I and CBH II can resist proteolysis during sugarcane leaf senescence, while bacterial EG cannot. These results demonstrate the stability of cellulase enzyme transgene expression in transgenic sugarcane and the utility of sugarcane as a biofactory crop for production of cellulases.

Influence of Profile Characteristics on Social-Dynamics Among Sugarcane Drip Users and Non-drip Users: A Farm Level Enquiry

Social-dynamics exists in the social system determines the extent of adoption of any scientific technologies. This research paper tries to find out the social-dynamics exists between drip and non-drip users in sugarcane production system. The present investigation was carried out in Udumalpet taluk of Coimbatore district with 40 sugarcane drip users and 40 non-drip users during 2008–2009. Multi-stage with proportionate random sampling method has been used to select the samples. The results revealed that higher existence of social-dynamics among drip users compared to non-drip users. Social-dynamics index (SDI) analysis revealed that sugarcane drip users had 0.74 whereas non-drip users had 0.65 SDI. Further the study revealed that sugarcane drip users were strong in developmental oriented indicators, whereas more stratification and strong social problems were observed among non-drip users. Finally step-down regression analysis was used to find out the most influencing profile characteristics on social-dynamics of sugarcane drip users.

Mechanization technology: The key to sugarcane production in China

Sugarcane is an important cash crop in southern China now planted on about 1.5 million ha in the main production areas in Guangxi, Zhuang Autonomous Region and Yunnan, Guangdong, and Hainan Provinces. Since the cost of labor in China is increasing rapidly and the price of local sugar is uncompetitive with the product from mechanized international producers, China needs to change its sugarcane production methods from manual work to mechanization in order to catch up with international trends in this global industry. Although a lot of effort in China have gone into sugarcane mechanization since the 1960s, the overall level of mechanization in sugarcane production is still only approximately 30%, which is about 20% lower than that achieved in the other main field crops. Almost all of the sugarcane grown in China is still harvested by hand. In order to summarize past experience and promote the mechanization of sugarcane production in China, this paper reviews the whole process of developing mechanization since 1960s and describes the current state of sugarcane mechanization in China. The research currently being undertaken and the main obstacles to be overcome in developing a mechanized sugarcane production system, are described. The design and testing of sugarcane harvesting machinery and its key components has been a significant research area by some Chinese universities, research institutes, and manufacturing companies in these past decades. This paper reviews that research and outlines the main achievements which have been made in this area. Mechanized harvesting systems for sugarcane, and the appropriate harvesting patterns suitable for different growing conditions applying in China, have also been studied. The paper concludes with some comments on the future directions for progress in China

Transforming Non-living to Living: A Case on Changing Business Environment

The paper highlights the issues of context aware ubiquitous environment focusing on achieving coherency between sugarcane production system and sugar production process. Web ontology is developed highlighting the coordination of heterogeneous components. A thorough coordination of Ubiquitous environment provides sustainable and efficient sugar recover in mills.

The effect of crop residue layers on evapotranspiration, growth and yield of irrigated sugarcane†

A layer of harvest residues from the previous crop can reduce wasteful evaporation from the soil surface and thereby increase the efficiency of use of limited water resources for agricultural production. The practice of harvesting sugarcane green and leaving crop residues in the field, as opposed to burning the residue, has been re-adopted in many sugarcane industries worldwide. However, a better understanding of the dynamic impacts of residue layers on various aspects of the cropping system is required to (1) enable the formulation of sets of best management practices for specific production scenarios, and (2) promote the use of residue layers in areas where it is desirable and has not been adopted, such as irrigated sugarcane production in South Africa. The objective of this study, therefore, was to quantify the effect of 2 different types of residue layers on crop growth, cane yield and evapotranspiration of fully irrigated sugarcane. A layer of cane tops and dead leaves (Trash) and a layer of green tops (Tops) were applied to the soil surface of sugarcane crops (plant crop and first ratoon crop of variety N14) grown on lysimeters at Pongola, South Africa. Observations of crop growth (stalk population, stalk height, canopy cover), cane yield and evapotranspiration for these treatments were compared to that of a bare soil treatment. The data were also used to derive values of crop evaporation coefficients for different development phases and these were compared to FAO56 recommendations. Initial stalk population in the plant crop and radiation capture in the plant and ratoon crop were affected negatively by crop residue layers, but without significantly reducing final stalk population and cane yield. Peak stalk population occurred later in crops grown in residue layers, but peak and final stalk populations were unaffected. Evapotranspiration was reduced by both residue layers, mainly due to a slower developing canopy (reduced transpiration) and reduced evaporation from the soil, during the pre-canopy phases. Increased drainage was observed under residue layers, emphasising the importance of accurate irrigation scheduling to avoid water logging. The FAO56 methodology for calculating crop evaporation coefficient values for the initial, development and late season phases are supported by the results obtained here. Crop evaporation coefficient values were significantly reduced by residue layers. It is important that irrigation scheduling practices be adjusted to realise the potential water savings of sugarcane production systems that make use of residue layers. This study provides the information required to do that. The information could also be used to improve the ability of the crop models to accurately simulate crop growth and evapotranspiration in a residue layer cropping system.Keywords: water use, irrigation, stalk population, canopy development, lysimeter, crop evaporation coefficient, trash blanket

Biodegradation of Sugarcane Trash Through Use of Microbially Enhanced Compost Extracts

Microbially enhanced compost extracts were produced from rumen waste composted for one, three, six and ten months, and from nine month old rumen compost and sugarcane stubble (1:1 v/v mix) further composted for one month. The extracts produced from sugarcane stubble amended compost enhanced the rate of degradation of intact trash mat lying over a red ferrosol over a six month period as indicated by the integral of CO2 release, with a significantly higher total microbial activity recorded on sugarcane amended compost extract compared to other extracts. Increased concentrations of total soil C and dissolved organic C were found in soil samples covered with harvest residue of sugarcane compared to the bare soil. The results of the current study indicate that compost extracts have potential benefits to the ‘green trash’ sugarcane production system.

Reducing dissolved inorganic nitrogen in surface runoff water from sugarcane production systems

Nitrogen (N) lost from farms, especially as the highly bioavailable dissolved inorganic form, may be damaging Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR). As sugarcane is the dominant cropping system in GBR catchments, its N management practises are coming under increasing scrutiny. This study measured dissolved inorganic N lost in surface runoff water and sugarcane productivity over 3years. The experiment compared the conventional fertiliser N application rate to sugarcane (average 180kgN/ha/year) and a rate based on replacing N exported in the previous crop (average 94kgN/ha/year). Dissolved inorganic N losses in surface water were 72%, 48% and 66% lower in the three monitored years in the reduced N fertiliser treatment. There was no significant difference in sugarcane yield between the two fertiliser N treatments, nor any treatment difference in soil mineral N – both of these results are indicators of the sustainability of the lower fertiliser N applications.

Mechanization of Sugarcane Cultivation in India

Sugarcane is the most important agro-industrial crop next to cotton, which is being cultivated in around 4.50 million hectares area in India. The country has produced more than 355 million tonnes of cane at a national average of 70 tonnes per hectare. In the present context of globalisation, ways and means have to be further evolved to produce more sugar per unit area, time and input in order to keep pace with the population growth while preserving the soil and water resources. The challenges in the millennium can be met effectively by adopting the appropriate mechanical alternatives not only for increasing the productivity but inculcating cost efficiency in sugarcane production system. The farm mechanisation in the context of sugarcane cultivation aims at introducing timeliness of operation, reducing human drudgery and improving overall production efficiency.

Environmental impacts of irrigated sugarcane production: Nitrogen lost through runoff and leaching

There is concern about environmental impacts of cropping in catchments of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, especially losses of nitrogen (N) from cropping systems. Sugarcane production in the Burdekin region in the dry tropics stands out from other crops/regions because it is grown with the highest applications of irrigation water and N fertiliser rates of any sugarcane producing region in Australia, attributes which may enhance losses of N. Little is known about N losses from sugarcane production systems, especially irrigated systems. We measured parts of the water and N balance over three sugarcane crops at three contrasting sites in different parts of the Burdekin region, covering a range of soil types/textures and irrigation managements. The experimental data were used to parameterise the APSIM-Sugarcane cropping systems model, and the model then used to ‘infill’ missing data and develop more complete water and N balances for each of the crops at the three sites. The model was also used to simulate long-term yields and N losses through runoff and leaching below the root zone at the sites under a range of N fertiliser and irrigation management practices. Unlike the experience in other cropping systems, N losses through runoff and leaching below the root zone were not higher at our sites than measured in rainfed sugarcane production systems. The long-term simulations showed there were clear opportunities for reducing N losses while maintaining yields through reducing N fertiliser application rates. Simulations results suggested that long-term N surpluses of 50 kg ha −1 yr −1, considerably less than those during the experiment or common in the study region, were sufficient to maintain yields but reduce N losses by 50–57%. So, N fertiliser management should aim to keep surpluses to that level. Improved irrigation management could also help reduce N losses but generally to a much lesser extent than reduced N fertiliser applications. Research is required to confirm these predicted benefits, and investigate potential interaction between N fertiliser and irrigation management practices, and impacts of other management practices.

Identification of opportunities for improved nitrogen management in sugarcane cropping systems using the newly developed Canegro-N model

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. L.) cropping systems require the application of substantial amounts of fertiliser nitrogen (N), especially under irrigated conditions and in areas where rainfall is sufficient for high dry matter production. Inadequate N applications can reduce yields, while excess N or inappropriately timed applications can result in the export of significant quantities of N to the environment as a pollutant. An N subroutine has now been included into the Canegro crop model which is based in the DSSAT (Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer) framework. Data from a field and lysimeter trial conducted in Pongola, South Africa were used to calibrate and evaluate the model, following which the model was used to investigate two potential approaches to improve fertiliser N management. Findings were, firstly, that measured and simulated results show on-farm monitoring of soil inorganic N levels and adjusting fertiliser applications accordingly has considerable potential for reducing fertiliser requirements and N losses. Secondly, during the periods between active crop growth cycles, significant amounts of inorganic N can accumulate in a soil as a result of mineralisation. Accounting for this N enables fertiliser N application to be delayed to some time after planting or commencement of ratoon growth, thereby significantly reducing the risky period during which applied N may be leached. For the system modelled in this study, inorganic N made available through organic matter mineralisation was sufficient to match initial crop demand for ~55 days following ratooning. When ammonium-based fertilisers are used, lower volatilisation losses can also be expected with this strategy. These findings now need to be confirmed in field trials. Modelling, combined with adequate measured data for calibration purposes, can be a powerful tool to identify improved N management practices for a particular cropping system. In its current form, Canegro-N can be used to improve our understanding of N dynamics in sugarcane production systems and to guide management practices and future research.

Assessing the in vitro zinc solubilization potential and improving sugarcane growth by inoculating Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus

Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus is an endophytic diazotroph of sugarcane that has been reported to possess various plant growth-promoting characteristics. We have assessed the zinc (Zn) solubilization potential of G. diazotrophicus isolates under in vitro conditions (plate and broth assay) with different Zn compounds (ZnO, ZnCO3, and ZnSO4) and by the improvement of sugarcane growth following inoculation. The soluble Zn present in the culture broth by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrophotometry. All five isolates solubilized the tested Zn compounds, although there were variations in the solubilization potentials, and effectively solubilized ZnO over ZnCO3 or ZnSO4. The solubilization might be due to the production of acids, since the pH of the culture broth shifted during the solubilization of Zn compounds. The nitrogenase activity of the G. diazotrophicus isolates ranged between 80.3 and 125.3 C2H4 h-1 vial-1 (ethylene), which was much more efficient than the nitrogenase activity in micropropagated plants. The GaD-1 isolate was found to be the most efficient isolate in terms of Zn compound solubilization and promotion of sugarcane plant growth when compared to other isolates. The application of G. diazotrophicus isolates with efficient nitrogenase activity in sugarcane production systems may possibly result in the reduction of chemical N fertilizer usage and the cost of sugarcane production; there may also be a considerable increase in production of sugarcane.

An Evaluation of the Literature on Integrated Sugarcane Production Systems

Logistically, the sugarcane supply and processing chain up to the raw sugar stage is driven by biophysical push factors rather than market-related pull factors. Sugarcane systems do not align fully with lean and agile supply chain thinking. This paper synthesizes a range of issues governing the sugarcane supply and processing chain. This synthesis was achieved through scientometrical analyses of a worldwide collection of publications. The aim was to develop a conceptual sugarcane supply chain framework and to evaluate research trends, knowledge gaps and limitations. Key system properties were identified from the literature and co-word analyses were carried out. Several exploratory exercises were executed on the co-occurrence matrix using the PAJEK software. The literature generally focuses on material handling issues in isolation from other factors, such as collaboration, information sharing and innovation. Impacts of harvesting on downstream processes remain a pertinent research topic. Also, emerging alternative products impose new complexities on the supply chain. Conflicting grower–miller relationships still suppress collaboration in most parts of the world. Mathematical modelling is a popular technique to produce innovative system improvements. Models, however, tend towards finding long-term solutions and lack the development of operational short-term applications. Production risk is an area that needs more focus. Researchers need to consider the supply chain more holistically, not only with respect to different dimensions in the chain (such as profitability, innovation, information and collaboration), but also within the local commercial socioeconomic regime.

Crop rotation biomass and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi effects on sugarcane yield

A cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.) vem sendo cultivada no Brasil para produção de açúcar e agroenergia. Em seu sistema de produção, após um ciclo de 4 a 8 anos, é possível a rotação com plantas de cobertura, antes do seu replantio, para melhoria do solo e geração de renda. Estudou-se a caracterização e produtividade de biomassa de leguminosas (como adubos-verdes) e girassol (Helianthus annuus L.), a ocorrência natural de micorrizas, o teor de açúcar e a produtividade em colmos da cana-de-açúcar IAC 87-3396 e a viabilidade econômica desse sistema com cultivo após as opções de rotação, com quantificação da produtividade durante três cortes consecutivos. O amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L.) cv. IAC-Caiapó, girassol cv. IAC-Uruguai e mucuna-preta (Mucuna aterrimum Piper and Tracy) foram as culturas que apresentaram maior percentagem de colonização por fungos micorrízicos. O girassol foi a planta de cobertura que mais extraiu nutrientes do solo, seguido por amendoim (Arachis hipogaea L.) cv. IAC-Tatu e feijão-mungo (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek). A colonização por fungos micorrízicos mostrou correlação positiva com a altura de plantas de cana no primeiro corte (p = 0,01 e R = 0,52), mas não se correlacionou com a produtividade de colmos ou açúcar. No primeiro corte, o girassol foi a cultura de rotação que ocasionou o maior aumento de produtividade, da ordem de 46% em colmos e de 50% na quantidade de açúcar, em comparação com a testemunha. Com exceção dos amendoins, todas as culturas em rotação aumentaram a renda líquida do sistema na média de três cortes de cana-de-açúcar.

Using the APSIM model to estimate nitrous oxide emissions from diverse Australian sugarcane production systems

Sugarcane is an important crop in the tropics and sub-tropics and its production requires very high rates of nitrogen (N) fertiliser. This N use, together with the warm, wet environment in which it grows, produces a high potential for emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N 2O) from soils. The few measurements of N 2O emitted from sugarcane are higher than expected from the level of N applied or experience in other crops. Accordingly, we simulated long-term N 2O emissions over a range of environments and sugarcane management practices. Simulations were undertaken with the cropping systems model, APSIM, after we (1) tested the denitrification sub-model and (2) added a mechanistic N 2O prediction capability to the model. Predicted N 2O emissions agreed well with data from two field experiments measured, provided the default value of the model's denitrification rate coefficient was substantially increased. We predict N 2O emissions from soils in Australian sugarcane production may commonly be equivalent to 3–5% of N fertiliser applications across a wide range of environments, including some where field studies have yet to be undertaken. As expected, predicted emissions varied between regions and soils, being higher in clay soil, where substantial irrigation was applied and where crop residues were retained. Reducing N fertiliser applications would obviously help reduce N 2O emissions. It has been previously suggested that there is potential for substantial reductions (e.g. by 30%) in Australian sugarcane production so this is one pathway to help reduce N 2O emissions. However, it is also important to better understand the interactions between specific site (soil and climate) and management (N fertiliser, crop residue and irrigation) factors influencing N 2O emissions to find other opportunities to reduce emissions.

Variable-rate lime application in Louisiana sugarcane production systems

Precision agriculture may offer sugarcane growers a management system that decreases costs and maximizes profits, while minimizing any potential negative environmental impact. The utility of variable-rate (VR) lime application in the initial production year (plant cane) of a 3-year sugarcane crop cycle was investigated at three locations planted to the cultivar LCP 85–384 for a total of nine site-years. A conventional, uniform-rate (UR) lime application method was compared to a VR application method and a no-lime control. Prior to lime application, soil samples (0–200 mm) were taken on a 0.4 ha grid to produce VR application maps. Soil samples were also taken after each crop of the 3-year production cycle to determine effects of lime application on soil properties. The combined results showed that neither the UR nor VR lime application method consistently improved cane or sugar yields over the no-lime control. Cane and sugar yields at Naquin Farms (NF) were increased with both the UR and VR methods, with the UR method having a slight advantage. At St. Louis Plantation (SLP), only the VR method in the first-ratoon crop increased cane and sugar yields and there were no yield differences due to lime application at Ellendale Plantation (EP). At NF and SLP, application of lime in the plant-cane crop increased soil pH and available phosphorus over the 3-year production cycle. At EP, lime application did not influence any of the soil properties measured. The failure to get a yield response from lime application at SLP and EP may have been due to the fact that fertility levels at planting were already greater than those at NF and the nitrogen fertilizer rates used by the grower at EP were higher than those at either SLP or NF. This may have obscured any positive yield effects that would be realized from increased nutrient availability. It is also possible that multiple VR lime applications will be required over a number of crop cycles to stabilize soil pH levels before a consistent positive effect on cane and sugar yields is observed with VR application. This possibility will be investigated in future studies.

Row spacing and planting density effects on the growth and yield of sugarcane. 1. Responses in fumigated and non-fumigated soil

It has been reported that high-density planting of sugarcane can improve cane and sugar yield through promoting rapid canopy closure and increasing radiation interception earlier in crop growth. It is widely known that the control of adverse soil biota through fumigation (removes soil biological constraints and improves soil health) can improve cane and sugar yield. Whether the responses to high-density planting and improved soil health are additive or interactive has important implications for the sugarcane production system. Field experiments established at Bundaberg and Mackay, Queensland, Australia, involved all combinations of 2-row spacings (0.5 and 1.5 m), two planting densities (27 000 and 81 000 two-eyed setts/ha), and two soil fumigation treatments (fumigated and non-fumigated). The Bundaberg experiment had two cultivars (Q124, Q155), was fully irrigated, and harvested 15 months after planting. The Mackay experiment had one cultivar (Q117), was grown under rainfed conditions, and harvested 10 months after planting. High-density planting (81 000 setts/ha in 0.5-m rows) did not produce any more cane or sugar yield at harvest than low-density planting (27 000 setts/ha in 1.5-m rows) regardless of location, crop duration (15 v. 10 months), water supply (irrigated v. rainfed), or soil health (fumigated v. non-fumigated). Conversely, soil fumigation generally increased cane and sugar yields regardless of site, row spacing, and planting density. In the Bundaberg experiment there was a large fumigation × cultivar × density interaction (P < 0.01). Cultivar Q155 responded positively to higher planting density in non-fumigated soil but not in fumigated soil, while Q124 showed a negative response to higher planting density in non-fumigated soil but no response in fumigated soil. In the Mackay experiment, Q117 showed a non-significant trend of increasing yield in response to increasing planting density in non-fumigated soil, similar to the Q155 response in non-fumigated soil at Bundaberg. The similarity in yield across the range of row spacings and planting densities within experiments was largely due to compensation between stalk number and stalk weight, particularly when fumigation was used to address soil health. Further, the different cultivars (Q124 and Q155 at Bundaberg and Q117 at Mackay) exhibited differing physiological responses to the fumigation, row spacing, and planting density treatments. These included the rate of tiller initiation and subsequent loss, changes in stalk weight, and propensity to lodging. These responses suggest that there may be potential for selecting cultivars suited to different planting configurations.