Agriculture and Agribusiness

Sugarcane Production and Estate Agronomy

Cane is paid on sucrose delivered, not tonnes, so a grower can raise yield and lower income by cutting immature cane or delaying delivery after burning. This course works to the sucrose. Delegates work through variety selection, land preparation and the planting that establishes a ratoon crop expected to last several cycles. Ratoon management is addressed, including gap filling and the decline that decides when to replant. Irrigation scheduling is covered for the irrigated estates of the region, alongside rainfed management. Nutrition follows, with nitrogen timing and its effect on sucrose rather than only cane weight. Weed control during the critical establishment period is addressed. Pest and disease management is covered, including eldana and smut. Ripening and the decision on when to harvest are addressed as the central agronomic judgement. Burning against green cane harvesting follows with their trade offs. Cutting, loading and the burn to crush delay are covered. The course closes on cane quality payment and on yield decline diagnosis.