Author
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Richard Jr, Edward |
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Submitted to: American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 6/21/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The effects of green cane trash blankets (GCTB) on weed and cane development were determined. The dry weight of the GCTB from the previous first-ratoon crops averaged 6430 kg/ha and formed a 10-cm thick blanket. There were at least 62% fewer cool-season weeds where the GCTB was allowed to remain. Morningglory infestations were 79% lower in the 1994 season where the GCTB was allowed to remain. Sugarcane shoot numbers in March were 29% lower where the GCTB was not removed. As the growing season progressed each year, differences in shoot numbers and heights between the GCTB treatments decreased. Failure to remove the GCTB resulted in a 5 to 6% reduction in gross cane and sugar yields, respectively. In a second study conducted in 1996, removal of the GCTB on Feb. 27, Mar. 19, and Apr. 4 either mechanically with a revolving disk shaver set to remove the GCTB, emerged shoots, and approximately 1 cm of soil or by hand with a rake that removed only the GCTB was studied. Differences in sugarcane shoot numbers and heights for the three removal dates were not detected because of severe freezes on Feb. 3 and Mar. 9. However, gross cane and sugar yields were at least 5% higher where the GCTB was removed either by shaving or raking as an average of all removal dates. |
