Improving cane productivity with dual row planting in Mauritius.

摘要

Dual row planting, consisting of pairs of cane rows 0.5 m apart with 1.8 m between their centres, was studied in twelve field trials between 1999 and 2004. Dual rows were compared to the standard row spacing of 1.6 m. Two N fertiliser rates (normal and +25%) and two cane sett densities (normal and a reduced amount) were included as treatments in the early trials whereas the response of sugarcane varieties to the new spacing was evaluated later. Increases in cane yields with dual row planting varied between 3% and 28% depending on cane varieties; M 1400/86 and R 579 were the most responsive with a mean increase varying between 8% and 16%. Yields of plant and ratoon cane showed that dual rows can be planted with an equivalent amount of cane setts and using the same rate of fertiliser as for the conventional spacing. No difference in sucrose content has been observed between the two spacings. Weed management improved with dual rows; and critical periods of weed competition were shortened by at least four weeks. Mechanised harvest of dual rows at some of the sites showed that the pairs of rows can be cut simultaneously without any difficulty; the efficiency of the machines also improved with less driving distance per hectare, less turning time and a higher pour rate. Dual row planting is being increasingly adopted as initial results from commercially planted fields are confirming the gain in productivity.