Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): The first objective of the research is to develop new crop and soil management techniques for sugarcane production that overcome limitations in soil and nutrient resources and maximize production efficiency. These techniques will incorporate elements of precision agriculture and remote sensing. The second objective of the research is to identify methods to mitigate the current yield loss associated with post-harvest residue retention and ripener usage in sugarcane production. Approach (from AD-416): To address the first objective, a series of experiments will be initiated to investigate the response of sugar and energy-canes to variations in macro- and micronutrients. Results from these experiments will be used to identify critical fertility components and to optimize fertility rates for both sucrose and biomass production. Initial macro-nutrient experiments will focus on nitrogen (N), a critical component of a sugarcane fertility program whose cost has risen dramatically. Initial micronutrient experiments will focus on nickel (Ni) a nutrient that is associated with increases in disease resistance and copper (Cu) which is associated with increases in both cane and sugar yields and may also influence disease resistance. In addition, experiments will be conducted on commercial farms to investigate the utility of electrical conductivity (EC) and soil pH mapping, zone sampling, and variable-rate (VR) application techniques to optimize nutrient availability. All treatments will be arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replications. Finally, we will investigate the utility of a newly designed yield monitor and leaf reflectance measurements, from multi-band aerial imagery and from direct hyperspectral measurement as potential indicators of cane biomass levels and sucrose content and to identify crop stresses associated with improper fertility levels of sugarcane dedicated for either sugar or bioenergy. To address the second objective, studies will be initiated to investigate the carry over response of sugar- and energy-cane crops to post-harvest residue and ripener applications made in the previous crop year. The response of energy- canes and newly-released sugarcane varieties to these factors has not been tested. In addition, studies will be implemented to screen basic and commercial germplasm for tolerance to post-harvest residue retention and to screen for self-defoliating clones that may expedite the natural decomposition of leafy residue prior to harvest. Finally, a study will be initiated to investigate in crop N application rate effects under various post harvest residue management schemes to include: partial removal, complete removal by burning, and no removal. The final report for this project (6410-12210-001-00D) was included in the 2013 annual report. The progress report for fiscal year 2014 can be found in the annual report for the new project (6410-12210-002-00D), which became effective 10/01/2013. Many of the objectives were continued in the new research project.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): The first objective of the research is to develop new crop and soil management techniques for sugarcane production that overcome limitations in soil and nutrient resources and maximize production efficiency. These techniques will incorporate elements of precision agriculture and remote sensing. The second objective of the research is to identify methods to mitigate the current yield loss associated with post-harvest residue retention and ripener usage in sugarcane production. Approach (from AD-416): To address the first objective, a series of experiments will be initiated to investigate the response of sugar and energy-canes to variations in macro- and micronutrients. Results from these experiments will be used to identify critical fertility components and to optimize fertility rates for both sucrose and biomass production. Initial macro-nutrient experiments will focus on nitrogen (N), a critical component of a sugarcane fertility program whose cost has risen dramatically. Initial micronutrient experiments will focus on nickel (Ni) a nutrient that is associated with increases in disease resistance and copper (Cu) which is associated with increases in both cane and sugar yields and may also influence disease resistance. In addition, experiments will be conducted on commercial farms to investigate the utility of electrical conductivity (EC) and soil pH mapping, zone sampling, and variable-rate (VR) application techniques to optimize nutrient availability. All treatments will be arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replications. Finally, we will investigate the utility of a newly designed yield monitor and leaf reflectance measurements, from multi-band aerial imagery and from direct hyperspectral measurement as potential indicators of cane biomass levels and sucrose content and to identify crop stresses associated with improper fertility levels of sugarcane dedicated for either sugar or bioenergy. To address the second objective, studies will be initiated to investigate the carry over response of sugar- and energy-cane crops to post-harvest residue and ripener applications made in the previous crop year. The response of energy- canes and newly-released sugarcane varieties to these factors has not been tested. In addition, studies will be implemented to screen basic and commercial germplasm for tolerance to post-harvest residue retention and to screen for self-defoliating clones that may expedite the natural decomposition of leafy residue prior to harvest. Finally, a study will be initiated to investigate in crop N application rate effects under various post harvest residue management schemes to include: partial removal, complete removal by burning, and no removal. FINAL REPORT: All first- and second-ratoon nitrogen experiments from the fourth year were harvested in October and November 2012. The combined data from all nitrogen experiments clearly show that Louisiana sugarcane growers could save money by reducing nitrogen rates in both plant and stubble crops, while maintaining crop yields. This addresses the first project objective, which is to develop new crop and soil management techniques for sugarcane production that overcome limitations in soil and nutrient resources and maximize production efficiency. The final studies to determine the influence of nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) fertilizers on cane and sugar yields and also on the incidence of sugarcane diseases, particularly brown rust, were harvested in October and November 2012. Rust and other disease levels were monitored through visual ratings and by taking leaf samples and determining percent rust lesions with image analysis software where applicable. The combined data from Cu and Ni studies demonstrate positive yield effects with both Cu and Ni in plant-cane and ratoon trials. This addresses objective one by developing new soil management techniques to overcome limitations in soil resources. ARS scientists (Houma, LA) worked with a Kansas State University agriculture engineer to develop and test an optical yield monitor to predict cane yields under field harvest conditions. Results demonstrated that there was a linear relation between the optical sensor response and actual cane yields. The yield monitor was not influenced by variety or harvester speed and appeared to require minimal maintenance. This technology will allow sugarcane producers to map within field variability, identify areas requiring additional inputs, and help to maximize production efficiency, thus addressing objective one. Multiple post-harvest residue studies were initiated to determine the best management options. Data indicates that residue management strategies will vary depending on if cane is grown for sugar or biofuels. Data from glyphosate carryover and residue management experiments indicate that the stresses of glyphosate carryover and full residue retention appear to be additive as indicated by reductions in cane and sugar yields. Ratoon seedlings were screened for their tolerance to residue and for early defoliation. Preliminary data indicates that residue decomposition is not enhanced with early defoliation and cane quality was not improved. All commercial varieties screened for residue tolerance showed a yield loss with full retention, but variety L 99-226 yielded significantly better than all other varieties with full residue retention. A new method of mechanical removal using a modified rake produced yields similarly to burning, with both yielding an additional 1120 kg/ha than full retention. Where burning was not an option, additional nitrogen did increase yields relative to traditional rates, but this response was inconsistent over the years depending on weather patterns. Addresses objective two, which is to identify methods to mitigate the current yield loss associated with post-harvest residue retention and ripener usage in sugarcane production. Accomplishments 01 Sugarcane post-harvest residue (PHR) is a high quality feedstock for biofuels production. When sugarcane is harvested, stalks are separated from leaves. ARS scientists at the Sugarcane Research Unit, Houma, LA, initiated a study to determine the quantity and quality of PHR as a biofuels feedstock. PHR was collected every two weeks during the three- month harvest season in 2009 and 2010 from the three main varieties of sugarcane grown in Louisiana. When averaged over the study period and across the three varieties utilized, the biomass components were relatively stable and within the current ranges based on other feedstocks being used for biofuels - such as Miscanthus. 02 Elevated soil salinity levels negatively impact sugarcane yields. In an effort to determine the potential magnitude of these effects in South Louisiana, ARS scientists at the Sugarcane Research Unit in Houma, LA, conducted two trials in commercial sugarcane fields (Dularge, LA) that were subjected to salt water intrusion during recent hurricanes. To determine actual yields, selected rows from each field were harvested in 23-meter increments using a single-row chopper harvester. Results from 2009 showed that both cane and sugar yields exhibited significant variability with yields ranging from 0.7 to 102.6 Mg/ha and 53.6 to 10,490 kg/ha, respectively. In 2010, cane and sugar yields also exhibited significant variability with yields ranging from 14.6 to 89.6 Mg/ha and 1,680 to 10,660 kg/ha, respectively. The greatest effects on cane and sugar yields appeared to occur in the lower elevation regions of the fields where flood waters remained for the longest time. The combined results from this study indicate that elevated salinity levels resulting from salt water intrusion events associated with hurricanes (or tidal movement of salty water) can have a negative effect on both cane and sugar yields.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): The first objective of the research is to develop new crop and soil management techniques for sugarcane production that overcome limitations in soil and nutrient resources and maximize production efficiency. These techniques will incorporate elements of precision agriculture and remote sensing. The second objective of the research is to identify methods to mitigate the current yield loss associated with post-harvest residue retention and ripener usage in sugarcane production. Approach (from AD-416): To address the first objective, a series of experiments will be initiated to investigate the response of sugar and energy-canes to variations in macro- and micronutrients. Results from these experiments will be used to identify critical fertility components and to optimize fertility rates for both sucrose and biomass production. Initial macro-nutrient experiments will focus on nitrogen (N), a critical component of a sugarcane fertility program whose cost has risen dramatically. Initial micronutrient experiments will focus on nickel (Ni) a nutrient that is associated with increases in disease resistance and copper (Cu) which is associated with increases in both cane and sugar yields and may also influence disease resistance. In addition, experiments will be conducted on commercial farms to investigate the utility of electrical conductivity (EC) and soil pH mapping, zone sampling, and variable-rate (VR) application techniques to optimize nutrient availability. All treatments will be arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replications. Finally, we will investigate the utility of a newly designed yield monitor and leaf reflectance measurements, from multi-band aerial imagery and from direct hyperspectral measurement as potential indicators of cane biomass levels and sucrose content and to identify crop stresses associated with improper fertility levels of sugarcane dedicated for either sugar or bioenergy. To address the second objective, studies will be initiated to investigate the carry over response of sugar- and energy-cane crops to post-harvest residue and ripener applications made in the previous crop year. The response of energy- canes and newly-released sugarcane varieties to these factors has not been tested. In addition, studies will be implemented to screen basic and commercial germplasm for tolerance to post-harvest residue retention and to screen for self-defoliating clones that may expedite the natural decomposition of leafy residue prior to harvest. Finally, a study will be initiated to investigate in crop N application rate effects under various post harvest residue management schemes to include: partial removal, complete removal by burning, and no removal. Second�ratoon nitrogen trials were initiated and sites for repeated first- and second-ratoon trials were also located and treatments applied. Leaf samples will be collected for reflectance and nitrogen analysis in June and July and cane and sugar yields will be determined by harvesting the experiments in October and November 2012. All first- and second-ratoon nitrogen experiments from the third year were harvested in November and December 2011. Preliminary results suggest that Louisiana sugarcane growers could save money by reducing nitrogen rates in both plant and stubble crops, while maintaining crop yields. Studies to determine the influence of nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) fertilizers on cane and sugar yields and also on the incidence of sugarcane diseases, particularly brown rust, were also repeated in 2012 in second-ratoon trials. Rust and other disease levels are being monitored through visual ratings and by taking leaf samples and determining percent rust lesions with image analysis software where applicable. Cane and sugar yields will be determined by harvesting plots in October and November 2012. All Cu and Ni studies from the third year were harvested in November and December 2011. Preliminary results showed positive yield effects with Cu in both first- and second-ratoon trials. Yield monitor data was collected on several commercial sugarcane farms in the fall of 2011 and results indicated that the system was effective at predicting and mapping cane yields on a large scale. Data was collected from a glyphosate carryover and residue management experiment. Data from the second-ratoon crop confirm the results obtained with first-ratoon and indicate that the stresses of glyphosate carryover and full residue retention appear to be additive as indicated by reductions in cane and sucrose yields. All second-ratoon seedlings were screened for their tolerance to residue. Cane and sugar yields were obtained from a second ratoon self-defoliating study and extraneous matter removal efficiency data was collected. Preliminary data indicates that residue decomposition is not enhanced with early defoliation and cane quality was not improved. Data from a nitrogen management study that incorporated different residue management regimes was also collected. The results indicate that the effects of including additional nitrogen to mitigate the negative influence of partial and full residue retention were not consistent across contrasting seasons. Accomplishments 01 Energycane increases management flexibility for the existing sugarcane production system. Production practices may change depending if sugarca is grown primarily for sucrose (sugarcane) or as a biofuels feedstock (energycane). A study of the affects of planting date on yields of both sugarcane and energycane indicated that the optimal period for sucrose production is August, while the establishment window for biomass production is much broader from August to September. ARS scientists at t Sugarcane Research Unit�s (SRU) Ardoyne research farm completed a five- year study comparing the flood tolerance of energycane and sugarcane. Energycane tolerated the flooded conditions better than sugarcane when biomass and sucrose yields were compared between treatments. In Louisian where sugar production is not economical because of delayed planting or flooded conditions, utilization of energycanes for production of cellulosic biomass may be a sustainable option. 02 Burning of post-harvest residues insures optimal sugarcane yields. The majority of sugarcane in Louisiana is harvested �green," which deposits large amounts of leafy residues back to the field. An eight-year study w initiated in 2001 by ARS scientists at the Sugarcane Research Unit's Ardoyne research farm near Schriever, LA, to determine if there were lon term nutrient re-cycling benefits to leaving the residue on the field an if the negative impact of the residue on yield could be reduced by the addition of more nitrogen at the start of the growing season. Complete removal of the residue by burning consistently produced the highest cane and sugar yields in the ratoon crops. Added nitrogen did not offset the effects of the residue on cane or sugar yields but did decrease soil pH the ratoon crop that it was applied. Any potential benefits from leaving the residue in the field to soil nutrient levels and possibly a reductio in the need for additional fertilizer were not observed in this study an may require a longer period of time to be realized. Burning of the post- harvest residue blanket following green-cane harvesting continues to be the best way to insure optimal ratoon crop yields in a four-year crop cycle.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Johnson, R.M., Viator, R.P., Richard Jr, E.P. 2011. Effects of billet planting rate and position on sugarcane yields in Louisiana. Journal of the American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists. 31:79-90.
- Viator, R.P., Richard Jr, E.P. 2012. Sugar and energy cane date of planting effects on cane, sucrose, and fiber yields. Biomass and Bioenergy. 40:82-85.
- Viator, R.P., White Jr, P.M., Hale, A.L., Waguespack, H.L., Thomassie, G. 2012. Screening for tolerance to periodic flooding for cane grown for sucrose and bioenergy. Biomass and Bioenergy. 44:56-63. Available online:
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The first objective of the research is to develop new crop and soil management techniques for sugarcane production that overcome limitations in soil and nutrient resources and maximize production efficiency. These techniques will incorporate elements of precision agriculture and remote sensing. The second objective of the research is to identify methods to mitigate the current yield loss associated with post-harvest residue retention and ripener usage in sugarcane production. Approach (from AD-416) To address the first objective, a series of experiments will be initiated to investigate the response of sugar and energy-canes to variations in macro- and micronutrients. Results from these experiments will be used to identify critical fertility components and to optimize fertility rates for both sucrose and biomass production. Initial macro-nutrient experiments will focus on nitrogen (N), a critical component of a sugarcane fertility program whose cost has risen dramatically. Initial micronutrient experiments will focus on nickel (Ni) a nutrient that is associated with increases in disease resistance and copper (Cu) which is associated with increases in both cane and sugar yields and may also influence disease resistance. In addition, experiments will be conducted on commercial farms to investigate the utility of electrical conductivity (EC) and soil pH mapping, zone sampling, and variable-rate (VR) application techniques to optimize nutrient availability. All treatments will be arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replications. Finally, we will investigate the utility of a newly designed yield monitor and leaf reflectance measurements, from multi-band aerial imagery and from direct hyperspectral measurement as potential indicators of cane biomass levels and sucrose content and to identify crop stresses associated with improper fertility levels of sugarcane dedicated for either sugar or bioenergy. To address the second objective, studies will be initiated to investigate the carry over response of sugar- and energy-cane crops to post-harvest residue and ripener applications made in the previous crop year. The response of energy- canes and newly-released sugarcane varieties to these factors has not been tested. In addition, studies will be implemented to screen basic and commercial germplasm for tolerance to post-harvest residue retention and to screen for self-defoliating clones that may expedite the natural decomposition of leafy residue prior to harvest. Finally, a study will be initiated to investigate in crop N application rate effects under various post harvest residue management schemes to include: partial removal, complete removal by burning, and no removal. Preliminary results suggest that Louisiana sugarcane growers could save money by reducing nitrogen (N) rates in both plant and stubble crops, while maintaining crop yields. Preliminary results with both nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) suggested positive yield effects in both plant-cane and first-ratoon trials. Yield monitor data was collected on commercial sugarcane farms in the fall of 2010 and results indicated that the system was effective at predicting and mapping cane yields. First-ratoon data indicate that the stresses of glyphosate carryover and full residue retention appear to compound each other as indicated by reductions in cane and sucrose yields. The first-ratoon residue management for energy cane experiment was harvested, and the first year of data indicates that residue management strategies will vary depending on if cane is grown for sugar or biofuels. Residue treatments were applied to basic and commercial germplasm screening studies to identify clones tolerant to the cool, wet conditions caused by the retention of post-harvest residues. In another test that evaluated self-defoliating varieties as an alternative to burning, preliminary data indicates that residue decomposition is not enhanced with early defoliation. Preliminary data using new cultural practices as an alternative to burning indicate that additional nitrogen applied with mechanical removal of residue, produced yields equivalent to where the residue was removed by burning. Accomplishments 01 Billet planting of sugarcane economical in Louisiana. In recent years, producers began to experiment with using the chopper harvester - which cuts the stalks of seed cane into 58-60cm pieces (billets) - as an alternative to the planting of whole stalks cut with a whole-stalk harvester. With billet planting, more seed cane is required to insure adequate plant cane stands and still lower yields are often experienced compared to whole-stalk planting. ARS scientists at Houma, LA, initiated study with the variety LCP 85-384 at the USDA, ARS Ardoyne Research Farm near Schriever, LA, to determine the effects of billet planting rate (hectares planted per hectare of seed cane harvested) and billet positio within the furrow on cane and sugar yields. When a comparison was made between cane and sugar yields from the 3:1 planting ratio (industry standard for billets) and a 5:1 ratio (less seed used), no significant differences were noted. These results indicate that billet planting with LCP 85-384 can be made economical by reducing planting rate without negatively influencing cane or sugar yields. 02 Cultivation affects sustainability of cane yields. In Louisiana, sugarcane farmers typically cultivate cane three to six times during eac production year of a four-year crop cycle. Eliminating cultivation passe during one or more years of a crop cycle may reduce production expenses without impacting yield. ARS scientists at Houma, LA, demonstrated that conventional cultivation increased sugar yields by 700 and 600 kilograms/hectare during both the plant-cane and first-ratoon production years. Cultivation did not affect yields of the second-ratoon crop, whil in the third-ratoon crop no cultivation increased sugar yields by 700 to 000 kilograms/hectare only if the crop had been cultivated in either pla cane or second-ratoon. Results suggest that cultivation is beneficial especially in the early years of the crop cycle, but that cultivation ca be eliminated during the third-ratoon crop year thus reducing grower inp costs. 03 Soybeans can improve sugarcane grower profitability. Sugarcane growers Louisiana use the March to July fallow period every fifth year between sugarcane cycles to restore drainage and destroy weeds that cannot be easily controlled within the crop with herbicides. One method of controlling these weeds is the use of two to three applications of glyphosate beginning in late April. This is a costly process as no reven is returned to the grower until the harvest of the plant-cane crop the following year. Research has demonstrated that soybean intercropped in t traditional sugarcane fallow period between sugarcane crops can generate $80/acre of additional net farm revenue. More importantly, soybean intercropping did not negatively affect subsequent plant-cane yields of sugarcane. Soybean intercropping on 125,000 acres of fallow ground in 20 would generate $10 million in additional net farm revenue.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Viator, R.P., White Jr, P.M., Richard Jr, E.P. 2011. Sustainable production of energycane for bio-energy in the Southeastern U.S. American Chemical Society Book Series, Sustainability of Sugarcane for Sugar and Bioenergy. 1058:147-161.
- Viator, R.P., Johnson, R.M., Richard Jr, E.P. 2010. Effects of cultivation frequency on sugarcane yields. Sugar Cane International. 28(6):259-265.
- Price, R.R., Johnson, R.M., Viator, R.P., Larsen, J., Peters, A. 2011. Fiber optic yield monitor for a sugarcane chopper harvester. Transactions of the ASABE. 54(1):31-39.
- Johnson, R.M., Richard Jr, E.P. 2011. Prediction of sugarcane sucrose content with high resolution, hyperspectral leaf reflectance measurements. International Sugar Journal. 113:48-55.
- Viator, R.P., Dalley, C.D., Richard Jr, E.P. 2011. Late-season glyphosate ripener application coupled with post-harvest residue retention impacts subsequent ratoon yields. International Sugar Journal. 113(1349):374-380.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The first objective of the research is to develop new crop and soil management techniques for sugarcane production that overcome limitations in soil and nutrient resources and maximize production efficiency. These techniques will incorporate elements of precision agriculture and remote sensing. The second objective of the research is to identify methods to mitigate the current yield loss associated with post-harvest residue retention and ripener usage in sugarcane production. Approach (from AD-416) To address the first objective, a series of experiments will be initiated to investigate the response of sugar and energy-canes to variations in macro- and micronutrients. Results from these experiments will be used to identify critical fertility components and to optimize fertility rates for both sucrose and biomass production. Initial macro-nutrient experiments will focus on nitrogen (N), a critical component of a sugarcane fertility program whose cost has risen dramatically. Initial micronutrient experiments will focus on nickel (Ni) a nutrient that is associated with increases in disease resistance and copper (Cu) which is associated with increases in both cane and sugar yields and may also influence disease resistance. In addition, experiments will be conducted on commercial farms to investigate the utility of electrical conductivity (EC) and soil pH mapping, zone sampling, and variable-rate (VR) application techniques to optimize nutrient availability. All treatments will be arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replications. Finally, we will investigate the utility of a newly designed yield monitor and leaf reflectance measurements, from multi-band aerial imagery and from direct hyperspectral measurement as potential indicators of cane biomass levels and sucrose content and to identify crop stresses associated with improper fertility levels of sugarcane dedicated for either sugar or bioenergy. To address the second objective, studies will be initiated to investigate the carry over response of sugar- and energy-cane crops to post-harvest residue and ripener applications made in the previous crop year. The response of energy- canes and newly-released sugarcane varieties to these factors has not been tested. In addition, studies will be implemented to screen basic and commercial germplasm for tolerance to post-harvest residue retention and to screen for self-defoliating clones that may expedite the natural decomposition of leafy residue prior to harvest. Finally, a study will be initiated to investigate in crop N application rate effects under various post harvest residue management schemes to include: partial removal, complete removal by burning, and no removal. Project receives support from the American Sugar Cane League (6410-21000- 014-04T) through a Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement, �Improving Sugarcane Production Efficiency�. Additional details of research can be found in the reports of the subordinate and parent projects. First�ratoon nitrogen trials were initiated and sites for repeated plant- cane trials were also located and treatments applied. Leaf samples will be collected for reflectance and nitrogen analysis in July and cane and sugar yields will be determined by harvesting the experiments in November and December 2010. All plant-cane nitrogen experiments from the first year were harvested in November and December, 2009. Preliminary results suggest that Louisiana sugarcane growers could save money by reducing nitrogen rates in both plant and stubble crops, while maintaining crop yields. The energy cane variety L 79-1002 did not exhibit a response to nitrogen, which is encouraging since energy cane is intended to be produced with reduced inputs. Studies initiated to determine the influence of nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) fertilizers on cane and sugar yields and also on the incidence of sugarcane diseases, particularly brown rust, were repeated in 2010. Rust and other disease levels are being monitored through visual ratings and by taking leaf samples and determining percent rust lesions with image analysis software. Cane and sugar yields will be determined by harvesting plots in November and December, 2010. All Ni and Cu studies from the first year were harvested in November and December, 2009. Preliminary results with both Ni and Cu suggested positive, although not significant, yield effects. Initial yield monitor data was collected on commercial sugarcane farms in the fall of 2009 and preliminary results indicated that the system was effective at predicting and mapping cane yields. An experiment that evaluated the interaction of glyphosate carryover and residue management was initiated. Preliminary data indicate that the stresses of glyphosate carryover and full residue retention appear to compound each other as indicated by reductions in stalk number and stalk height during early growth stages. Other studies were initiated to screen both basic and commercial germplasm to identify clones tolerant to the cool, wet conditions caused by the retention of post-harvest residues and to determine if self-defoliating varieties could be used as an alternative to burning. Cane quality was assessed by determining the amount of leaf trash in the sample. A study was also initiated to determine if additional nitrogen applied to different alternative methods of residue management would produce yields equivalent to where the residue was removed by burning. Full retention of residue reduced shoot counts and photosynthetic rates compared to where the residue was burned. Sites for 2010 planting have been identified and are currently being prepared for planting in the early fall. Accomplishments 01 Leaf Reflectance Provides an Estimate of Sugarcane Sucrose Levels. Curre methods used to estimate sugarcane stalk sucrose levels prior to harvest are labor and time intensive. Reflectance data ware collected from the leaves of predominant sugarcane varieties that were sampled throughout t harvest season (during the 2005 and 2006 crop years) to determine sucros accumulation (maturity). Leaf reflectance was effective at predicting sucrose in 36 to 79% of the cases if varieties were combined, and in 65 100% of the cases if the varieties were considered separately. Regressi analyses also identified several spectral regions that appeared to be important in describing stalk sucrose levels, including: ultraviolet, bl green and yellow, orange and red, and the near-infrared wavelengths. These combined results indicate that it may be possible to utilize remot sensing techniques to estimate sugarcane maturity prior to harvest which would allow growers and mills to more effectively manage field and varietal harvest schedules to insure maximum sucrose yields. 02 Early Harvest Affects Ratooning Ability in Louisiana. The number of sugarcane processors in Louisiana has decreased over time forcing grower to begin the harvest season earlier for fear of complete cane loss at th end of the harvest period due to freezing temperatures. Experiments were conducted to investigate effects of early harvest on ratooning ability a to determine differential effects of early harvest among Louisiana varieties. Averaged across all varieties, the October harvest of plant- cane reduced sugar yields of the first-ratoon (7,700 kg/ha) compared to the mid-season harvest date (10,100 kg/ha.) Averaged across all varieti the October harvest of both plant-cane and first-ratoon reduced sugar yields of the subsequent second-ratoon (5,500 kg/ha) compared to the December harvest (10,000 kg/ha). Both harvest dates for L 97-128 had equivalent yields, so this variety is best suited for early harvest if only harvested early once in a four-year cycle. All cultivars had decreased yields with consecutive years of early harvests. When developi harvest schedules, growers should consider the potential 24 to 45% yield loss in subsequent ratoons associated with the early harvest of plant-ca and first-ratoon crops.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Johnson, R.M., Richard Jr, E.P. 2009. Variable Rate Lime Application in Louisiana Sugarcane Production Systems. Precision Agriculture {serial online]. DOI 10.1007/s11119-009-9140-2. Available: http://www.springerlink. com/content/674t203lh751p418/fulltext.pdf
- Viator, R.P., Dalley, C.D., Johnson, R.M., Richard Jr, E.P. 2010. Early harvest affects ratooning ability in Louisiana. Sugar Cane International. 28(3):123-127.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The first objective of the research is to develop new crop and soil management techniques for sugarcane production that overcome limitations in soil and nutrient resources and maximize production efficiency. These techniques will incorporate elements of precision agriculture and remote sensing. The second objective of the research is to identify methods to mitigate the current yield loss associated with post-harvest residue retention and ripener usage in sugarcane production. Approach (from AD-416) To address the first objective, a series of experiments will be initiated to investigate the response of sugar and energy-canes to variations in macro- and micronutrients. Results from these experiments will be used to identify critical fertility components and to optimize fertility rates for both sucrose and biomass production. Initial macro-nutrient experiments will focus on nitrogen (N), a critical component of a sugarcane fertility program whose cost has risen dramatically. Initial micronutrient experiments will focus on nickel (Ni) a nutrient that is associated with increases in disease resistance and copper (Cu) which is associated with increases in both cane and sugar yields and may also influence disease resistance. In addition, experiments will be conducted on commercial farms to investigate the utility of electrical conductivity (EC) and soil pH mapping, zone sampling, and variable-rate (VR) application techniques to optimize nutrient availability. All treatments will be arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replications. Finally, we will investigate the utility of a newly designed yield monitor and leaf reflectance measurements, from multi-band aerial imagery and from direct hyperspectral measurement as potential indicators of cane biomass levels and sucrose content and to identify crop stresses associated with improper fertility levels of sugarcane dedicated for either sugar or bioenergy. To address the second objective, studies will be initiated to investigate the carry over response of sugar- and energy-cane crops to post-harvest residue and ripener applications made in the previous crop year. The response of energy- canes and newly-released sugarcane varieties to these factors has not been tested. In addition, studies will be implemented to screen basic and commercial germplasm for tolerance to post-harvest residue retention and to screen for self-defoliating clones that may expedite the natural decomposition of leafy residue prior to harvest. Finally, a study will be initiated to investigate in crop N application rate effects under various post harvest residue management schemes to include: partial removal, complete removal by burning, and no removal. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Project receives support from the American Sugar Cane League (6410- 21000-014-04T) through a Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement, �Improving Sugarcane Production Efficiency", as well as the in-house project 6410- 21000-014-00D, "Genetic Improvement of Sugarcane by Conventional and Molecular Approaches". Additional details of research can be found in the reports of the subordinate and parent projects. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists at the Sugarcane Research Unit (SRU), in cooperation with Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter, initiated studies in commercial plant-cane sugarcane fields to determine the optimum nitrogen requirements for newly released Louisiana varieties. Varieties evaluated in the study included HoCP 96-540, Ho 00- 950, L 99-226, and the energy cane variety, L 79-1002. Nitrogen was applied to all experiments at rates ranging from 0 to 160 lb/A using 32% urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) as the nitrogen source. Leaf samples will be collected for reflectance and nitrogen analysis in July and cane and sugar yields will be determined by harvesting the experiments in November and December 2009. Studies were initiated to determine the influence of nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) fertilizers on cane and sugar yields and also on the incidence of sugarcane diseases, particularly brown rust in Louisiana varieties HoCP 96-540 and L 99-226. Foliar Ni fertilizer was applied at a rate of 0.13 lb Ni/A in March, April and May using a commercially available Ni fertilizer source. Foliar Cu was applied at rates of 0, 0. 66, 1.3 and 2.0 lb Cu/A in May using copper sulfate as the fertilizer source. Rust and other disease levels are being monitored through visual ratings and by taking leaf samples and determining percent rust lesions with image analysis software. Cane and sugar yields will be determined by harvesting plots in November and December, 2009. Four studies were initiated to investigate: 1) rates of the herbicide glyphosate needed to induce early sucrose accumulation in sugarcane and treatment to harvest intervals for new varieties; 2) management of post- harvest leaf litter (residue) for energy and sugar cane; 3) nitrogen rates needed for different residue management systems, and 4) mechanical harvesting of post-harvest residue. Additionally, seed-cane was increased for subsequent experiments. Preliminary results with glyphosate indicate that late-season chemical ripening of HoCP 96-540, L 99-233, and L 99-226 was not effective at currently recommended rates and treatment-to-harvest intervals. This was probably due to the extent of natural ripening for the 2008 crop due to exceptionally dry soils and high sunlight incidence in the fall. Technology Transfer Number of Other Technology Transfer: 4
Impacts
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Publications
- Viator, R.P., Johnson, R.M., Boykin, D.L., Richard Jr, E.P. 2009. Sugarcane Post-harvest Residue Management in the Temperate Climate of Louisiana. Crop Science. 49:1023-1028.
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