Home > Crops & Livestock > Crops > Sugarcane > Cultural Practices > Precision fertilizer rates may help sugarcane farmers save money [Image: brenda tubana] (Distributed 07/16/08) ST. GABRIEL – Sugarcane growers can reduce the cost of producing their crops by following new fertilizer recommendations, researchers said today (July 16) at a sugarcane field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Sugar Research Station here. Sugarcane Ripener Recommendations for 2006 The following glyphosate formulations are being sold for use as chemical ripeners in sugarcane: Touchdown®, Touchdown Total®, Touchdown Hi-Tech® and Roundup WeatherMAX®, as well as the limited remaining stock supplies of Polado L®. When used in accordance with the product labels and according to the following recommendations and/or suggestions, these products should increase both the yield of recoverable sugar per ton of cane and sugar per acre in the treated crop. Fertilizer Recommendations for 2007 [Image: Fertilizer Recommendations being discussed at Field Day 2007 at the Sugar Research Station, St. Gabriel, LA.] In order to maximize the return on fertilizer investment and ensure minimal environmental damage, it is necessary to follow sound, research-backed guidelines provided in this article. Producers will harvest better yields and make more profit. History of Sugarcane in Louisiana [Image: Seedlings are grown in the greenhouse at St. Gabrield Research Station in order to develop improved sugarcane varieties.] Sugarcane has been an integral part of the south Louisiana economy and culture for more than 200 years. When Jesuit priests first brought sugarcane into south Louisiana in 1751, little did they know that the foundation was being laid for an industry that now contributes $2 billion to the Louisiana economy.  more articles... New Varieties Highlight Of Sugarcane Field Day [Image: Luke Etheredge speaks at sugarcane field day] LSU AgCenter sugarcane researchers showcased new varieties at the sugarcane field day Wednesday (July 20). And LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station resident coordinator Dr. Kenneth Gravois said there is a tremendous amount of interest in these new varieties. Experts Tell Consultants Some Salty Soils Improve, Others Get Worse South Louisiana rice fields contaminated with salt from Hurricane Rita’s storm surge have shown some improvements, although not as much as expected, and salinity levels actually have increased in some sugarcane fields. Brixing to Improve Sugarcane Quality [Image: Brixing to Improve Sugarcane Quality] This publication includes information on the process of brixing and how it can help improve sugarcane quality. It also includes information on the correct treatments for your fields with the highest brix. Salinity Test Protocol Contains the protocols and form required for assessing soil salinity following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.