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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Canal Point, Florida » Sugarcane Field Station » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #397205
Research Project: Development of High-Yielding, Stress Tolerant Sugarcane Cultivars Using Agronomic, Genetic, and Molecular Approaches

Location: Sugarcane Field Station

Title: Row-spacing and cultivar effects on sugarcane growth and yields in Florida histosols

Author
item SANDHU, HARDEV - University Of Florida
item Coto Arbelo, Orlando

Submitted to: Proceedings of the International Society of Sugarcane Technologists
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/30/2022
Publication Date: 2/20/2023
Citation: Sandhu, H.S., Coto Arbelo, O. 2023. Row-spacing and cultivar effects on sugarcane growth and yields in Florida histosols. Proceedings of the International Society of Sugarcane Technologists. 31:95-100.

Interpretive Summary: Sugarcane is commonly planted at 1.5 m row-spacing in Florida and there is little information available on the effect of relatively narrow or wide spacing on growth and yield of sugarcane. A trial was planted to test the row-spacing effect on yields using four different row-spacings (1.2, 1.5, 1.8 m, and 1.5 m-double row) and three sugarcane cultivars (CP 96-1252, CP 00-1101 and CP 01-1372). Data showed differential row-spacing effects on first year versus second year harvest. Overall, the combined average sugar yields of the two harvest years in the double and 1.2 m row spacings were 20% and 26% greater than that of the 1.5 m spacing. There was no row-spacing effect on sucrose concentration. Cultivars responded similarly to the tested row-spacings. Compared to current 1.5 m row spacing, narrow-spacing (1.2 m and double row) may potentially increase yields, but further research is needed to understand the economic feasibility of different row configurations.

Technical Abstract: Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) is a major row crop in Florida. The effect of row-spacing on total row length per hectare can have major effect on cost of major farm operations including planting, harvesting and fertilizer application. In Florida, sugarcane is commonly planted at 1.5 m row-spacing and there is little information available on the effect of relatively narrow or wide spacing on growth and yield of sugarcane, especially in new high biomass cultivars. To determine sugarcane growth response to different row-spacing, a field trial was conducted in organic soil (Histosols) with four different row-spacings (1.2, 1.5, 1.8 m and a double row on 1.5 m bed) and three sugarcane cultivars (CP 96-1252, CP 00-1101 and CP 01-1372). Data showed differential row-spacing effects on plant cane versus first ratoon. In plant cane, depending on the cultivar, double row and 1.2 m spacing produced 17-46% and 23-42% greater sugar yield per hectare (TSH) than current 1.5 m spacing, respectively. Overall, the combined average TSH of plant cane and the first ratoon in double and 1.2 m spacing was 20% and 26% greater than 1.5 m spacing. However, the yields in 1.5 m and 1.8 m row-spacing were similar. There was no significant effect in the first ratoon. There was no row-spacing effect on sucrose concentration. Similar response of cultivars to the tested row-spacings suggest that selecting cultivars for different row-spacings may not potentially show any yield improvements. Compared to current 1.5 m spacing, narrow-spacing (1.2 m and double row) may potentially increase yields and wide (1.8 m) spacing reduce the production cost but further research is needed to understand the economic feasibility of different row configurations.