Growth, development and sugarcane water use considering two different trash management systems

Author(s)

Leandro Garcia da Costa

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC)
• Defense date: 2016-12-01

Examining board members

Fábio Ricardo Marin; Luiz Roberto Angelocci; Rubens Duarte Coelho; Daniel Silveira Pinto Nassif; Fábio Vale Scarpare

• Advisor: Fábio Ricardo Marin

Abstract

Determining the optimal amount of trash blankets above ground is one of the most discussed issues by the sugarcane industry, since this residue can be considered a byproduct of sugarcane due to cellulosic ethanol and electricity cogeneration. To establish these values, it is necessary to consider the crop needs together with physical, chemical and biological soil characteristics. The process based crop models (PBCMs), specifically APSIM-Sugar, able to simulate the soil organic matter, can be used in conjunction with field experiments to support the decision making about the optimum amounts of trash blanket for Brazilian sugarcane farming systems. PBCMs might be used to simulate the crop development and growth, water, nitrogen and carbon soil balances, and make the experiment data applicable for other regions allowing for a broader view and understanding on the key questions. In this context, this study compared two treatments: maintenance of 100% of the trash (CP) and removal of 100% of the trash (SP) in an experiment carried out with an irrigated first ratoon of RB867515 cultivar in Southern Brazil, at city of Piracicaba, State of São Paulo, Lat. 22,67° S and Long. 47,64° W. Monthly biometric evaluations were performed regarding the variables, tillering, stalk\'s height and diameter, leaf area index (LAI) and number of green leaves, as well as fresh and dry mass of leaves, cabbages and stalks. Crop evapotranspiration (ETc) were assessed by Bowen ratio method (MRB) and frequency domain reflectometry (FDR). Sap flow measured by heat balance method was assumed to be the crop transpiration (Tp). APSIM-Sugar crop model was calibrated based on these experimental data, and such model was applied for different Brazilian regions for evaluating the best water-trash management strategies for each region. Comparing both treatments there were just significant differences for leaf area index (LAI) and leaves dry mass (MSF). ETc was ranged from 3 to 8 mm day-1, depending on the weather conditions and crop stage. Crop coefficient (Kc) showed an inverse linear relationship with reference evapotranspiration (ETo), in such way that when ETo < 2 mm, the Kc(SP) = 1,8 and Kc(CP) = 1,5, and for ETo > 6mm it was observed Kc(CP) = 1,3 and Kc(SP) = 1,2. APSIM-Sugar simulations showed that, in the most part of cases, the keeping at least 50% of trash blanket and 25% of total irrigation requirement, resulted on the highest yield rates. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/16511-4 - Influence of crop residues on water consumption, growth and yield of irrigated sugarcane
• Grantee: Leandro Garcia da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate