Analysis of declining trends in sugarcane yield at Wonji-Shoa Sugar Estate, Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Yield decline has been the hallmark of Ethiopian sugarcane plantations. However, the extent and causes of the decline have not yet been empirically studied, making it difficult to manage the problem. This study aimed at analyzing the long-term yield data (1954–2022) with respect to variety and soil type. Thus, 8,923 records of yield data were summarized and sorted into decades, varieties, and soil types and then analyzed by applying Mann-Kendall and Tukey’s tests. The fields were classified and mapped using ArcGIS 10.3. The results revealed that 69% of the plantation fields were classified as “yield declining,” and the overall rate of decline has been 8.4 quintals ha−1 year−1 (R2 = 0.76). The rate of decline was higher for older than newer varieties and for vertisols than cambiols. Therefore, the older varieties should be micropropagated or replaced with improved ones, and the vertisols should be amended through practices such as green manuring, improved fallows, etc.

Evaluating different green manuring plant species and stool destruction methods for enhancing sugarcane yield at Wonji-Shoa Sugar Estate, Ethiopia

“…This relationship is logical since the sugarcane population is crucial in determining sugarcane yield [ 66 ]. Bell and Garside [ 14 ] also noted that enhancements in sugarcane yield through soil amendment primarily occur due to the production of a greater number of stalks per unit area.…”

“…The combined impact of these factors eventually leads to soil fatigue, characterized by a gradual decrease in crop yields, even when fertilizers are applied and other soil management practices are implemented [ 9 ]. Likewise, at WSSE, significant declines in the major soil fertility indicators have been reported over the last seven decades [ [11] , [12] , [13] ], resulting in a negative impact on cane yield [ 14 ].…”

A simplified approach to satellite-based monitoring system of sugarcane plantation to manage yield decline at Wonji-Shoa Sugar Estate, central Ethiopia

“…The technology also has the potential to minimize the expenses and efforts associated with estimating cane yield [ 21 ] which is one of the most important operation in a sugarcane plantation. Ultimately, satellite based crop monitoring by using LCVIs significantly contributes to managing the continuing decline in sugarcane yield, which costs WSSP around US$ 8,228,558 per year [ 37 ]. However, it is important to bear in mind that anomalies in data owing to cloud cover and weed interference are the major challenges of satellite-based crop monitoring.…”

“…In WSSP, three major sugarcane varieties that cover 71% of the plantation have been grown: N14 (39%), NCo334 (20%), and B52298 (12%) [ 37 ]. Twenty minor varieties make up the remaining 29% of the plantation.…”