Sugarcane Yield Response to Soybean Double-cropping in Louisiana

Abstract

Planting a soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] crop during the fallow period between sugarcane plantings represents an economical opportunity for sugarcane growers in Louisiana. The objective of the experiment was to determine if soybean grown in the fallow period would affect the primary crop, sugarcane, through cane yield, theoretical recoverable sugar (TRS), and sugar yield. The experiment was conducted in two successive years (2004 and 2005) with two sugarcane varieties: ‘L 97‐128’ and ‘HoCP 96‐540.’ With and without starter fertilizer at the time of planting sugarcane was included to determine if potential yield loss associated with soybean could be mitigated with fertilizer. Soybean did not reduce cane yield, TRS, or sugar yield, with mean values of 48 tons/acre, 220 lbs/ton, and 10,400 lbs/acre, respectively. Plant‐cane yield was marginally higher in fields cropped to soybean (49 tons/acre) when compared to fallow (47 tons/acre) (P = 0.072). There was no sugarcane variety or starter fertilizer response observed. Across years soybean yielded 40 bu/acre, which at current commodity prices ($11.45/bu) make the crop worth $460/acre. Calculated total observed costs for the soybean crop were $214/acre, with a net profit of $246/acre. Overall, soybean cropped between sugarcane plantings provide an economic incentive to growers and does not affect subsequent sugarcane yields.

Biomass production and stability of five energycane cultivars at two latitudes in Georgia

“…In the establishment (plant-cane) year of 2009, the lower yields at Watkinsville compared with Tifton may also be due to later planting (November vs. September, respectively) the previous fall. A similar effect on subsequent plant-cane yield was reported in October-planted vs. Augustplanted sugarcane in Louisiana (White et al, 2010). In the ratoon crops, biomass yields also showed considerable yearto-year variation, particularly at Watkinsville.…”