ARS | Publication request: Sugarcane Post-Harvest Residue Management in the Temperate Climate of Louisiana

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2007
Publication Date: November 5, 2007
Citation: Viator, R.P., Johnson, R.M., Richard Jr, E.P. 2007. Sugarcane Post-Harvest Residue Management in the Temperate Climate of Louisiana [abstract]. In: Agronomy Society of America, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America, 2007 International Annual Meetings Abstracts, November 4-8, 2007, New Orleans, Louisiana. CDROM.

Technical Abstract: Full retention of sugarcane (interspecific hybrids of Saccharum spp.) post-harvest residue often reduces subsequent ratoon crop yields in Louisiana. Experiments were conducted to investigate if residue management effects are consistent across ratoon crops, to determine if residue management by soil type interaction exists, and to determine the effects of removal method and removal timing on sugarcane growth and yield. First, second and third ratoons on both a heavy and light soil were utilized. Removal methods consisted of partial mechanical removal, complete removal by burning, and full residue retention (control). Removal timings consisted of the following physiological stages: pre-dormancy, complete dormancy, intermediate dormancy, and post-dormancy. Ratoons responded differently to residue management, and soil type influenced residue management. Early removal during pre-dormancy and complete dormancy appear to be the best time to remove the residue. Removal during these two stages by either method, mechanical or burning, resulted in yield increases of 5% compared to full retention. Mechanical removal produced similar yields to removal by burning except in first-ratoon where burning during pre-dormancy produced 7% more sugar.