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How to Protect Sugarcane Lodging During Heavy Wind
Sugarcane is a valuable crop that contributes to the production of sugar, ethanol, and other products. However, it is vulnerable to lodging, a phenomenon where the stems bend or break under the weight of the cane or external forces such as wind, rain, or pests. Lodging reduces the yield and quality of the sugarcane, increases the risk of disease and pests, and complicates the harvest and processing. Therefore, farmers need to take measures to prevent or minimize lodging, especially during heavy wind periods, which can occur in many sugarcane-growing regions.
Recently, a farmer asked about how to protect his sugarcane from lodging during a windstorm that was predicted to hit his area. Here are some suggestions that may help:
1. Choose the right variety: Some sugarcane cultivars are more resistant to lodging than others. Farmers should consult with their local extension agents, seed and equipment suppliers, and fellow farmers to identify and select the best cultivars for their location, climate, soil, and management practices. Some factors that affect lodging resistance include the stem diameter, internode length, dry matter content, and fiber quality of the cane. Farmers may also consider traits such as disease and pest tolerance, ripening pattern, and sugar content when choosing their cultivars.
2. Manage the crop density and spacing: The density and spacing of the sugarcane plants can influence their lodging susceptibility. Too crowded or too thin can make the stems weaker and more prone to bend or snap. Farmers should follow the recommended or tested plant population for their cultivar, soil, and irrigation system, and adjust it based on their experience and observation. Ideally, the sugarcane plants should be evenly distributed, erect, and sturdy, with enough space between them to allow for air circulation and light penetration. Farmers may also consider using trellises, stakes, or other support systems to strengthen the stems and prevent lodging.
3. Strengthen the stems with nutrition and irrigation: The strength and health of the sugarcane stems depend on the availability and balance of nutrients and water. Farmers should ensure that their sugarcane plants receive adequate and balanced amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential elements, based on soil tests and crop demand. Over-fertilizing or under-fertilizing can cause lodging or other problems. Similarly, farmers should monitor and adjust their irrigation practices to avoid under-watering or over-watering, which can also weaken the stems or promote lodging.
4. Monitor the weather and take preventive actions: Farmers should stay informed about the weather conditions in their area, especially during the critical growth stages of the sugarcane. They can use online tools, weather stations, or local scouts to track the wind, temperature, humidity, and other factors that can affect lodging. If they anticipate a heavy wind, they can take some preventive actions, such as cutting the sugarcane at a higher stubble height, defoliating the lower leaves, avoiding heavy machinery or livestock movement through the fields, and securing loose objects or structures that can damage the plants. However, farmers should also consider the cost and benefit of these actions, as some of them may have trade-offs in terms of labor, time, and yield.
In summary, preventing and mitigating sugarcane lodging during heavy wind requires a combination of genetic, agronomic, managerial, and environmental strategies. Farmers can work with their local networks, research institutions, and industry associations to stay up-to-date on the latest practices and innovations in sugarcane cultivation and protection. By doing so, they can increase their productivity, profitability, and sustainability, while reducing the risks and impacts of lodging.