Home > Crops & Livestock > Crops > Sugarcane > Cultural Practices > Maximizing the Chances of Success with Billet Planting [Image: Billet Planting] Around the world, sugarcane is usually planted as stalk sections or “billets.” In Louisiana, whole stalks have traditionally been planted due to stalk rots and environmental stress. Despite the greater potential for stand problems, there are times when farmers need to plant billets. Therefore, practices have been identified that will maximize the chances of success with billet planting in Louisiana. 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. Fertilizer Recommendations for 2009 [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. Salinity Test Protocol Contains the protocols and form required for assessing soil salinity following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.