SASRI Grower Publications
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Item 10.4 Spraying herbicides with low volume, controlled droplet application (CDA) systems(SASRI, March 2022)This paper explores the technique of controlled droplet application (CDA) for spraying herbicides. CDA generates spray droplets of optimal size for pest control. The paper highlights the advantages of CDA in terms of droplet size control, spray coverage, and drift reduction. It also discusses the potential drawbacks of very small and large droplets.Item 2.6 Mechanical sugarcane harvesting systems(SASRI, Nov 1998)This document discusses mechanical sugarcane harvesting systems. It highlights the challenges faced in finding a viable mechanized system suited to local conditions and explores semi-mechanized systems that combine manual and mechanical operations. It also provides information on different types of machines suitable for small-scale growers.Item 5.11 Properties of saline/sodic soils and their reclamation(SASRI, June 2021)This information sheet focuses on the properties of saline sodic soils and their reclamation in the context of sugarcane cultivation. It explains the negative effects of excess salts on sugarcane yields and discusses the types of salt-affected soils, namely saline soils and sodic soils. The document provides an overview of the areas in the sugar industry where serious salt problems occur and explains the challenges of salt-affected soils in supporting plant growth.Item 5.6 Chemigation of sugarcane: Considerations for chemical selection and fertigation guidelines(SASRI, March 2022)This information sheet provides an overview of chemigation, the application of agrochemicals through irrigation systems. It focuses on fertigation, the application of fertilizers to crops through an irrigation system. The document highlights the advantages of fertigation, including precise control of irrigation and fertilizer application, optimization of nutrient use, and targeted delivery of nutrients to the root zone.Item 6.10 Compaction(SASRI, Feb 2022)This paper discusses the effects of compaction on sugarcane production in South Africa. It explores how infield haulage vehicles and tillage implements compress soils, reducing pore size and increasing bulk density. These changes limit water and airflow, leading to more frequent periods of water stress and reduced yield. The paper also highlights other effects of compaction, such as reduced water infiltration, increased surface run-off potential, slower oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, and increased waterlogging. It emphasizes the importance of managing soil compaction for sustainable sugarcane cultivation.Item 6.14 Subsoiling / ripping(SASRI, July 2022)Subsoiling and ripping, also known as deep tillage, is a practice used to break up compacted sub-surface soil layers to improve water and airflow and alleviate root limiting layers. This paper discusses the benefits of subsoiling and ripping in sugarcane production, highlighting the importance of eliminating confounding factors before embarking on the tillage operation. The paper provides examples of the factors that should be considered before and during the subsoiling operation.Item 6.5 Liming materials and their use(SASRI, July 2022)Liming materials are products that can neutralise soil acidity (See Information Sheet 6.4: Managing soil acidity). These products work by reducing the amount of hydrogen (H) ions in the soil thus lowering the pH. This reduces the amounts of toxic elements like aluminium (Al) and manganese (Mn), while improving the availability of several plant nutrients and stimulating root growth and soil biological activity. In this information sheet, the key benefits of liming are highlighted, some best practices for the use of lime are outlined and various aspects of lime quality are considered. Advantages of liming of acid soils: Increases soil pH, Lowers toxic levels of Al and Mn, Increases availability of phosphorus (and most other nutrients) for crop uptake, Adds calcium (Ca) (and sometimes magnesium (Mg)) to the soil, Improves nitrogen mineralisation and availability, Improves soil biological function, Enhances soil aggregation, Increases soil cation exchange capacity. Risk of overliming ("limeshock"): May cause an excessive increase in soil pH, Leads toItem 7.22 Inorganic amendments: Ash(SASRI, June 2021)Ash, the waste by-product from the combustion of bagasse, has properties that can be beneficially used as a soil ameliorant. This document explains the properties of bagasse ash and its potential benefits as a soil amendment. It also mentions other types of ash, such as biomass ash and coal ash, that may be available to growers.Item 7.5 Potassium management(SASRI, Oct 2022)This document discusses potassium management in sugarcane cultivation. It explains the role of potassium in sugar production, photosynthesis, and respiration in the plant. The document also describes the symptoms of potassium deficiency and the impact of excess potassium on the quality of sugarcane juice.Item 8.12 Nematode management(SASRI, Sep 2020)This information sheet focuses on the management of nematodes in sugarcane. It discusses various methods of managing nematodes, including the use of chemical nematicides, suitable variety selection, late summer-early autumn planting and harvesting, and the use of organic amendments and green manures.Item 9.1 Ratoon Stunting Disease (RSD)(SASRI, March 2022)This document provides information on ratoon stunt (RSD), a legislated disease in the sugar industry. It highlights the importance of reporting and managing RSD according to the rules prescribed by the Local Pest, Disease and Variety Control Committee. The document explains the spread of RSD through infected seedcane and farm implements, as well as its effect on yield.Item 9.7 Pineapple sett rot(SASRI, March 2022)This information sheet discusses the importance of pineapple sett rot, a disease caused by the soil-inhabiting fungus Ceratocystis paradoxa. The document explains how the disease affects pineapples, including poor germination and patchy growth, and describes the symptoms of the disease, such as red and brownish-black internal tissue. It emphasizes the conditions that favor the disease and highlights the need for diagnosis and management strategies.Item A review of cane harvesting systems (Eddie Meyer)(SASRI, August 1996)Item Accessing new chemistries for pest and disease control (Prabashnie Ramouthar)(SASRI, September 2018)Item Accurate crop estimates from the grower (Alex Searle and Raksha Beecum)(SASRI, May 2016)Item Adhering to the Agricultural act for pastures and land of 1998(SASRI, November 2007)Discusses the legal aspects of the Agricultural Act and its implications for sustainable pasture and land management.Item Advice from FAS: Dealing with soil sample variability (Neil Miles)(SASRI, January 2016)Item Advice from FAS: FAS breakthrough: new ‘potassium reserve’ test implemented (Neil Miles)(SASRI, September 2016)Item Announcing new Agricultural Technicians(SASRI, September 1999)Meet the new wave of Agricultural Technicians joining SASRI, equipped to drive agricultural progress.