Location: Sugarcane Research
2022 Annual Report
Objectives
Objective 1: Determine and evaluate critical water efficiency optimization parameters that impact sugarcane crop production systems in temperate environments.
Sub-objective 1.A: Improve crop coefficients for reference ET models that are reliable along the sugarcane life cycle and across sugarcane growing areas in U.S. with differing climatic zones and water regimes, including deficit and excess-water conditions.
Sub-objective 1.B: Improve ET models for water management at field to regional level by separating transpiration and soil evaporation fluxes using stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in water.
Objective 2: Develop holistic stochastic optimization models and decision support tools to improve the sustainability of sugarcane production systems in temperate environments.
Objective 3: Evaluate and/or develop conservation best management practices that positively influence soil water and carbon cycling in sugarcane production systems in temperate environments.
Sub-objective 3.A: Characterize how long-term (16+ y) sugarcane crop residue management affects soil moisture storage, C sequestration, and crop yield.
Sub-objective 3.B: Characterize how new tillage and fallow cover cropping practices affect soil moisture storage, C sequestration, and crop yield.
Approach
Through greenhouse and field experiments, improve crop coefficients for reference evapotranspiration (ET) models that are reliable along the sugarcane life cycle and across sugarcane growing areas in U.S. with differing climatic zones and water regimes, including deficit and excess-water conditions; and Improve ET models for water management at field to regional level by separating transpiration and soil evaporation fluxes using stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in water. Employ data collected in the field to populate DSSAT input modules to evaluate how changing climatic conditions will affect sustainable sugarcane production. Characterize how long-term (16+ y) sugarcane crop residue management affects soil moisture storage, carbon sequestration, and crop yield. Characterize how new tillage and fallow cover cropping practices affect soil moisture storage, carbon sequestration, and crop yield.
Progress Report
This project started in April 2022 and replaces the previous project 6052-13210-002-000D, “The Effects of Water-Driven Processes on Sugarcane Production Systems and Associated Ecosystem Services in Louisiana”.
Equipment and initial formatting of DSSAT templates is complete. We are scheduled to begin harvesting first year experiments in October 2022. Long-term experimental harvest will be in December 2022. Once completed all 12-month milestones will be fully met.
Accomplishments
