Sugarcane Postharvest Residue Management in a Temperate Climate

Abstract

Full retention of sugarcane (interspecific hybrids of Saccharum spp.) postharvest residue may reduce ratoon crop yields. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different residue removal timings and methods on sugarcane yield. A two‐factor (timing and method) experiment was conducted on both clay and silt loam soils in southeastern Louisiana. Removal timings consisted of the following physiological stages: predormancy, complete dormancy, intermediate dormancy, and postdormancy. Removal methods consisted of partial removal from the row top by mechanical means, complete removal by burning, and no removal (control) applied to first, second, and third ratoons. Sugar yields following burning at predormancy (6800 kg ha−1), complete dormancy (6610 kg ha−1), and mechanical removal at predormancy (6500 kg ha−1) were greater than the control (6190 kg ha−1) for all ratoons. Burning at postdormancy decreased sugar yields by 440 kg ha−1 relative to the control. Ratoons responded similarly to the residue management practices evaluated, and effects were consistent on both clay and silt loam soils. Results show that the residue generated during the green‐cane harvesting of sugarcane in Louisiana should be removed from harvested fields as soon after harvest as possible to ensure optimum yields of subsequent ratoon crops.

Harvest managements and cultural practices in sugarcane

“…Evaluating the effects of trash presence (green cane) and trash absence (burnt cane) on stalk growth in Lousiana -USA, Viator et al (2009) found that trash promoted no increase or decrease in stalk height.…”

Sugarcane Internode Composition During Crop Development

“…Fairly recent combine harvesting technology has accomplished the removal of much of the trash in the field, although some trash is still transported to the factory and contributes to processing problems there [10,28]. Cane trash left in the field is a problem for the next crop in some environments [34], but could be removed from the field and utilized with bagasse for cellulosic ethanol production.…”

U.S. Billion-Ton Update: Biomass Supply for a Bioenergy and Bioproducts Industry

“…Green cane harvesting of sugarcane deposits 2.7 to 3.6 tons per acre of a mixture of brown and green leafy material and fragments of the stalks (Richard, 1999;Viator et al, 2006;2009a;b). The fibrous extraneous matter generated during harvest has an energy value; however, the greatest value may be as mulch to: limit soil erosion, depress weed development, conserve moisture, and as a means to recycle nutrients.…”