MONITORING SUGARCANE CROPS IN THE CAUCA RIVER VALLEY (COLOMBIA), USING MODIS SATELLITE IMAGES

By  CAP.J. MURILLO, C.A. OSORIO, J.A. RBONELL and A.E. PALMA 

CENICAÑA, Colombia

pjmurillo@cenicana.org; jacarbonell@cenicana.org

Abstract 

MODIS product MOD13Q1 was used to monitor the sugarcane crop, using an enhanced
vegetation index in the Cauca River Valley for a time series from 2000–2006.
The product consists of images taken every 16 days (pixel size of 250 × 250 m),
which makes it possible to work withfields larger than 6.25 ha.
A methodology was developed for downloading, cutting, filtering and laying out the
time series of the vegetation indices on Internet for the entire area planted with sugarcane.
The relation between the time series and the information on crop establishment and
harvesting of the fields indicated that the satellite data were consistent with the phenology of
the sugarcane crop.
Similarly, there was a high correlation between the cumulative vegetation index and
cane production.
Low index values were associated with low values of tonnes of cane per hectare;
whereas high index values meant high production values.



KEYWORDS: Sugarcane, Yield Forecasting, MODIS,
Enhanced Vegetation Index, Time Series.

www.issct.org
Agricultural Engineering Posters Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 

STUDY ON FARMLAND APPLICATION OF VINASSE FROM SUGARCANE MOLASSES

By  CHEN YAN and SHINOGI YOSHIYUKI
National Agricultural Research Organisation
305-8609 2-1-6, Kannondai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken, Japan

Abstract

DURING bio-ethanol production from sugarcane molasses, large amounts of vinasse, which is
strongly acidic with high COD and BOD, is produced as a by-product. Disposal of vinasse is
one restrictive problem for sustainable bio-ethanol production.
In this study, possible application of vinasseto farmland was investigated. First, the
staple characteristics of vinasse were determined. Second, availability of nutrients such as
nitrogen and potassium to crops and dynamics inthe soil environment were studied in the
laboratory and, thirdly, crop growth experiments were carried out in the field.
In conclusion,
1)  potassium is the most common nutrient in vinasse;
2)  large amounts of chloride are also present;
3)  high COD and pigment from rind of sugarcane were also observed.
Farmland application of vinasse as a substitutefor one third of the potassium showed
no significant damage to the growthof red-radishes and tomatoes.
When large amounts of vinasse are applied to farmland as a substitution for the
nitrogen in traditional chemical fertilisers, nitrogen deficiency symptoms, especially
immediately after application, are expected.
In addition, it is necessary to take into consideration the leaching of ions and the
pigment in the vinasse for proper timing of application and soil conditions.


KEYWORDS: Sugarcane Molasses, Pigment,
Incubation Test, Tomato and Radish Cultivation.

www.issct.org

Agricultural Engineering Posters Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 
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SUGARCANE MECHANISATION FOR PROFITABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

By  C. NORRIS(1), P. LYNE(2) and K. CHOONHAWONG(3)
1 Booker Tate Ltd, Masters Court, Church Rd, Thame, Oxon OX93FA UK.
2 SASRI, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa
3 Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

Chris.Norris@Booker-Tate.co.uk

Abstract
THE PAPER summarises the findings compiled from contributions of the committee members
and from the proceedings of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT)
Agricultural Engineering Section Workshop held between 3rd and 5th of March 2009 at The
University Centre, Kamphaeng Saen Campus atNakhon Pathom of the Kaestart University,
Thailand.
The opening addresses gave an excellent overview of the Thailand industry, which
globally is the second largest exporter of sugar,and has over 80% of its farms of less than
20 ha in size.
The industry is in a stage of rapid development, with appropriate mechanisation for
small growers being a significant issue.
The demand for by-products such as ethanol are significant catalysts for the growth
of the industry.
The presentations were grouped under the general headings of Machinery and
Mechanisation and Management and Logistics, with a focus on mechanisation associated
with smaller operations.
The field visits associated with the workshop focused on the very significant
development which is occurring in appropriatemechanisation for small and medium size
growers, as well as the integration of rotation crops with sugarcane and irrigation systems
used.
In the workshopping sessions, a wide range of issues were discussed, ranging from
Crop Production to the Environment. Miller–Grower ‘Politics’ and Health & Safety issues
were also seen as issues which could be addressed, with discussion on the potential of ISSCT
sanctioning various training courses. Overall, the most significant issue seen to be facing the
industry was logistics and cost of cane transport from the field to the mill.
Thailand represented an excellent venue for the workshop, because of its rapid
growth and the market driven development of appropriate mechanisation for small growers.


KEYWORDS: Sugarcane, Mechanisation,
Green Cane Harvesting, Small Growers, Sustainability.
www.issct.org

Agricultural Engineering Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 
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DRIP IRRIGATION FREQUENCY FOR SUGARCANE IN THE TROPICS

By R. CRUZ, J.S. TORRES, I.C. FRAGOSO, 
H. MESA and D. DELVASTO
Cenicaña y Malimbu Sugarcane Plantation
jrcruz@cenicana.org

Abstract

DRIP IRRIGATION was a system initially developed for desert areas where the sandy soils have
low water retention capacity and rainfall is limited.
In the Cauca River Valley, located in south-western Colombia, soils have a high
water retention capacity and frequent irrigation results in excess moisture and poor root
development, which affects crop development.
The frequent application of water in the sugarcane soils of the Cauca River Valley
results in excess soil water and little use of natural precipitation.
The current study was conducted at the Malimbú Sugarcane Plantation, located in the
driest area of the Cauca River Valley where annual precipitation is below 800 mm and soils
are loamy to clayey in texture.
The effect of irrigation frequency (daily, twice a week, weekly) was studied in dripirrigated plots. A gravity irrigation system was used as check.
In three consecutive cuts (plant crop and two ratoons), sugarcane production in dripirrigated plots was 160 t/ha with daily irrigation (483 mm water applied), 165 t/ha when
irrigated twice a week (356 mm water applied), and 166 t/ha when irrigated weekly (264 mm
water applied).
Gravity-irrigated cane produced 157 t/ha, with an average of 465 mm water applied.
Average precipitation during the three cuts reached 984 mm.
Results highlight the importance of taking advantage not only of the soil’s capacity to
store available water but also of actual precipitation, scheduling the weekly drip irrigation of
sugarcane fields in the Cauca River Valley without adversely affecting cane production.


KEYWORDS: Drip Irrigation, Irrigation Schedule,
Water Saving, Sugarcane Production, Colombia.

www.issct.org

Agricultural Engineering Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 

SOIL MOISTURE GROUPS FOR SUGARCANE MANAGEMENT

By J.S. TORRES and J.R. CRUZ 

Colombian Sugarcane Research Center, Cenicaña
jtorres@cenicana.org

Abstract

CANE YIELD in Colombia is normally lower after wet years due to increased damage
associated with harvest and the difficulty of post-harvest cultivation. The magnitude of the
problem is impacted on by soil characteristics.
To identify fields or areas requiring emphasis on irrigation or drainage and for the
development of agronomic management packages, soil moisture management groups have
been developed.
The definition of soil moisture management groups is based on the annual balance
between precipitation at 75% frequency level and soil permeability. The precipitation records
from the sugarcane automatic weather network and the information from a recent detailed
study of the soils of the Cauca River Valley of Colombia have been combined using the
geographical information system to generate the spatial distribution of the soil moisture
groups.
Five groups were defined on the basis of the expected annual excess or deficit of
water for sugarcane:
•  A first group with a water deficit.
•  A second group with an excess of water ranging from 0 to 200 mm/year.
•  A third group with an excess of 200 to 400 mm/year.
•  A fourth group with an excess of 400 to 600 mm/year.
•  A fifth group with an excess of water greater than 600 mm/year.
These moisture groups have been used as a backbone for the agro-ecological zoning
system of the sugarcane in the Cauca Valley of Colombia.
The Colombian sugar industry is committed to use a site specific agriculture

approach based on the combination of the production factors on each cane field.

KEYWORDS: Soil, Moisture, Drainage,

Permeability, Cane Management.

www.issct.org

Agricultural Engineering Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010

OPTIMAL USE OF BIOMASS IN AN ISOLATED ENVIRONMENT: CASE STUDY AT MIYAKO ISLAND, JAPAN

By YOSHIYUKI SHINOGI, TERUHITO MIYAMOTO, KOJI KAMEYAMA and CHEN YAN 
National Agricultural Research Organisation, Japan,
National Institute for Rural Engineering
yshinogi@affrc.go.jpi

Abstract 

THIS PAPERbriefly outlines an ongoing research project and some research outcomes
focusing on sugarcane.
Five research topics were identified, namely:
1)  development of technologies for farmland application of converted biomass from sugarcane molasses             such as compost, char, digestive slurry and vinasse;
2)  clarification of optimal allocation of biomass and optimal operational conditions for conversion plants;
3)  development of groundwater conservation technologies with biomass, mainly focusing on nitrogen;
4)  development of technologies for introduction of energy crops and optimal CO2gas application to crops; and
5)  clarification of favourable conditions for sugar-ethanol by-production systems using greater-biomass sugarcane.
Our target biomasses are bagasse and cattle wastes. Five conversion plants, including two pyrolysis, one composting, one bio-gas and one gasification, have already been installed
to properly and effectively convert biomass. Farmland application technologies for char and digestive slurry with bagasse have mainly been studied.
Also, vinasse (bio-ethanol by-product; distilled residue) is another biomass target.
We analysed vinasse for return of by-products to the farmland as a way to achieve sustainability and devote efforts to the application of vinasse to farmland.
Of course, safety to crops, the soil and water environment should be confirmed first.
Previous experiments revealed vinasse does not have bad impacts on crop growth. Also, we
conducted studies to clarify the favourable conditions for introduction of greater biomass sugarcane to develop sugar-ethanol by-production systems.
A favourable new variety of sugarcane was previously selected. In addition, a sugaryield equation for great-biomass sugarcane was developed from observed data.


KEYWORDS: Biomass, Refinery System, Conversion.
www.issct.org
 Agricultural Engineering          Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010

EFFICIENCY OF MECHANICAL CANE LOADING IN EGYPT

By HASSAN A. ABDEL-MAWLA 
Ag. Eng Dept., Coll. of Agric. Al-Azhar Univ., Assiut
haamawla@yahoo.com

Abstract 

THE CANE growing area along the Nile valley in Upper Egypt has expanded. Most farmer
holdings are small, typically ranging from 0.5 to 1 hectare. Cane delivery schedules and
consequently harvesting dates mainly depend on the delivery allocation and the date of
harvest last season. The mill administration assigns a transport vehicle (main vehicle) for
each farmer according to the schedule. Farmer/s harvest and transport cane from inside field/s
(using tractor-pulled-trailers) to temporary storage sites at which the main vehicle/s are
loaded. Loader efficiency can be low due to time losses associated with travel from one
storage site to another.
To achieve reasonable efficiency of the loader, storage sites may be amalgamated
allowing greater utilisation of loaders. Thisprocedure may increase the infield transport
distance which may reduce the rate of cane supply from fields, thus contributing to increased
cane delivery delay. Farmers may have to transport a part of the main vehicle load to the
storage site the previous day to secure continuous operation of the loader. In this study,
loader efficiency, loading rate, the percentage of main vehicle/s load/s delayed more than
24 h and cane collection efficiency were studied. In most cases, one main vehicle is assigned
to each farmer, where a trailer pulled by tractor is used to transfer cane from inside the field
to the storage area. Results show that total efficiency of the loader was 75% in the case of
loading lorries in a large storage area and 81%in the case of railway wagons loaded at a
station.
Average total efficiency of the loaderwas 61% when loading decauvelle wagons
distributed in several storage areas within the same production region. Efficiency of loading
tractor trailers in the field was 54%. Maximum efficiency was observed to be achieved if the
loader works for the full operational day in one storage area. Cane collection efficiency was
variable for the variable operating conditions. The percent of cane delayed more than 24 h
was also estimated. Large temporary storage areas at which lorries are loaded with cane, and
cane loading stations for railway wagons may represent more optimal conditions for loader
operation. The paper discusses the efficiency ofloader operation under a range of variable
conditions, and related cane delivery delay. The results highlight the role of loader operation
efficiency as a factor determining the adoption of mechanical loading of sugarcane.
Recommendations for the proper operation of a cane loader are suggested.

KEYWORDS: Wholestalk Cane Loading, Cane Loader Efficiency,
Sugarcane Transport Systems, Harvest Scheduling

www.issct.org

Agricultural Engineering                 Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010

MONITORING THE HARVESTING OF SUGARCANE AND GENERATION OF YIELD MAPS IN REAL TIME

By J.A. CARBONELL, C.A. OSORIO and J.M. RAMÍREZ 

Colombian Sugarcane Research Center, 
CENICAÑA, A.A. 9138, Cali, Colombia, South America

jacarbonell@cenicana.org

Abstract 

IN A GIVEN area or plantation it is common to determine the variability in production that
exists between harvested sugarcane fields or lots.
The agroindustrial sugar sector in the Cauca River Valley of Colombia has
appropriate mechanisms for determining and managing the variability of production among
the cane lots, but it has not had sufficient alternatives for determining the variability within
them.
At present, the preharvest task of cutting the cane is done manually in most of the
area, while the subsequent lifting of the stalks is done with self-driven equipment.
CENICAÑA has developed a system that can beinstalled on the cane lifters, which records

the weight of each bundle and its geographic position.
The data are stored and transmitted by cell phone to a computer where they can be
visualised for carrying out a precise monitoring of the harvest and generating yield maps.
This work describes the structure of the system developed, the methodology for
obtaining and transmitting the data, and how to interpret and analyse the yield maps.
An analysis of a field harvest, for which it is known where there was fertilisation and
where not, shows the value of each weight recorded.
In this case, the best estimate of the production in the field is obtained by averaging
the data from six consecutive bundles.
Both the system for obtaining the data and the methodology for their analyses and the

generation of yield maps can be implemented in other agricultural sectors.

KEYWORDS: Sugarcane, Precision Agriculture, Yield Mapping, 

Wholestalk Weigh System, Harvest Monitoring. 

www.issct.org

Agricultural Engineering Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 

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