Author
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Richard Jr, Edward |
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Submitted to: International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 6/14/2003 Publication Date: 10/16/2003 Citation: Richard Jr, E.P. 2003. Implication of green-cane harvesting on planting and crop re-establishment: an overview [abstract]. International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists'Agricultural Engineering Workshop - Abstracts of Communications. Available: http://issct.intnet.mu. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: As the world's sugarcane industries switch from burnt to green cane harvesting and even more increasingly from manual to mechanical harvesting, management practices will have to be modified. There are a number of advantages to harvesting the crop green and leaving a blanket of residue on the soil surface. These include fresher cane supply to the mill, reduced soil erosion, moisture conservation, increased infiltration of soil water, decreased run-off of agricultural chemicals, soil buffering against temperature extremes, improved soil health, increased levels of soil organic matter, nutrient recycling, increased numbers of beneficial microorganisms, reduced cultivation and weed suppression. Unfortunately, these benefits are often heavily countered by the residue's suppressive effect on ratoons, its harboring of diseases and insect pests and the need for tillage - for the residue can be an enemy of the disk. In many instances, these negatives force growers to either burn the residue or, where feasible, harvest the residue to produce ethanol and electricity. Growers must be able to make informed decisions before choosing to switch to a green cane harvesting system, particularly where this includes the mechanical harvesting of an established crop. To this end, research is needed to: identify and minimize factors that affect subsequent ratoon yields, such as the effects of infield machinery on stubble longevity and soil compaction, and the suppressive effects of the residue (amount, removal dates, crop age, ripener usage, soil type); develop, if needed, residue removal techniques (complete removal via mechanical harvesting and/or partial removal from the planted line of sugarcane either mechanically or by microbial decomposition); and assess the actual economic gains (short- and long-term) to be realized from managing these residues in place. This would include reductions in irrigation, fertilization, pesticides (insecticides and herbicides) and cultivation requirements. When designing layouts and replanting fields in anticipation of a switch to green cane harvesting, a number of interacting factors must also be considered. These include field layout (row spacing, profile, length and number); crop harvesting and loading practices (hand harvesting and loading, hand harvesting and mechanical loading, or mechanical harvesting and loading); post-harvest residue management strategy (harvest and sell, leave in place, or partial removal); tillage requirements (seedbed preparation and in crop); and the need for a fallow period to minimize the risk of reduced stands associated with the release of allelochemicals during the decomposition of the residue. |
