Minimising transport costs in two-phase sugarcane extraction systems through optimal upgrading of roads and transloading zones

摘要

In-Field to transloading zone transportation with agricultural tractor-trailer units may incur costs of up to nine times those of long-distance truck-tractor units, Ihis necessitates the implementation of an optimal cane extraction road network. In this paper formulas are derived to evaluate whether the construction of additional roads and transloading zones may enhance a sugarcane farm's profitability. Ihe formulas were applied in a case study typical for a 250 ha commercial sugarcane farm in SouthAfrica to quantify the technique's economic value and to demonstrate additional practical constraints. transport savings were calculated at US$3,700 per annum and costs incurred on capital expansion was recovered after six crop cycles (ratoons). Ihe results suggest that significant reductions in transport costs could be achieved, especially by increasing the number of transloading zones on existing roads. The case study did, however; also identify several other factors, such as topography, cash flow requirements and vehicle utilisation issues that may alter road upgrading decisions.