Location: Sugarcane Research
Project Number: 6052-13210-003-007-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Apr 1, 2023
End Date: Mar 31, 2028
Objective:
ARS scientist will be cooperating with the LSU AgCenter, Iberia Research Station, collecting sugarcane yields, soil measurements, and weather data from a crop residue test initially started in 1996. ARS will be providing equipment to conduct plot maintenance (tractors and field implements) and the LSU AgCenter will be providing land and seed cane as needed to replant test periodically. The benefit to ARS will be collection of long-term crop residue effects on soil health and carbon sequestration. No funds will be transferred in either direction.
Approach:
The objective is to determine the effects of long-term crop residue management (e.g., burning residue, mechanical removal of residue, or retaining residue) on sugarcane yields, soil health, and carbon sequestration. ARS will provide a tractor for mechanically removing the crop residue, tilling the plots, and spraying the plots for weed control. ARS will conduct soil sampling and analysis. LSU will conduct plot maintenance and collect yield data each year.
