Meyer E., Norris C.P., Jacquin E., Richard C., Scandaliaris J.
South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa; Booker Tate, PO Box 479, Atherton, QLD, Australia; Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute, Reduit, Mauritius; C Richard and Associates, 129S Cortez Street, New Orleans, 70119, United States; Estación Experimental Obispo Colombres, Casilla de Correo No 9, Las Talitas 4101, Tucumán, Argentina
Meyer, E., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa; Norris, C.P., Booker Tate, PO Box 479, Atherton, QLD, Australia; Jacquin, E., Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute, Reduit, Mauritius; Richard, C., C Richard and Associates, 129S Cortez Street, New Orleans, 70119, United States; Scandaliaris, J., Estación Experimental Obispo Colombres, Casilla de Correo No 9, Las Talitas 4101, Tucumán, Argentina
Many sugar industries around the globe have moved, or are in the process of moving, to green cane production systems. Some of these industries have done so because of pressure from local communities or because of government legislation regarding environmental pollution, while others have done so for a variety of agronomic and economic reasons. Nevertheless, it is estimated that at present more than 50% of all sugarcane around the world is still burnt prior to harvesting. Burning the cane is seen as an effective way of maintaining high manual cutter and mechanical harvester outputs and to deliver cleaner cane to the mills. However, there are many disadvantages associated with burning, which include atmospheric pollution, and soil and water losses. Cut to crush delays in burnt cane have been recognized as one of the main causes of increased dextran contents in sugar. Many factors need to be considered when moving to a green cane production system, with the main issues involving the changes required to adapt to different agronomic, mechanical and labor regimes. Factory performance and social and economic implications also need to be taken into account. This paper highlights many of the issues that affect the operational, economic and social considerations that need to be evaluated when changing from a burnt to green cane harvesting system. These issues include manual and mechanical harvesting efficiencies and performances, handling of sugarcane residues and machinery availability and suitability. Other areas such as cane quality, and loading and transport of sugarcane are also discussed.