Fieldwork in the Cauca Valley and visit from the University of Alicante 2/2

During the second semester of 2024, field measurements will continue, while simultaneously analyzing growth behavior with a greater focus on trends and the specific responses of different varieties and environments. This approach will enable verification and refinement of measurement models to better align with field observations. Soil texture and the growth patterns of the varieties are beginning to show contrasts, with lighter soils exhibiting the highest growth rates. Additionally, growth forms are being analyzed in terms of the relationship between the number of stems per linear meter and stem diameter.

The campaign

The in-situ data collection field campaign started on July 24, 2024, and kicked off the extensive field campaign, capturing the first ten months of development of the sugarcane crop. Currently, 34 fields are visited on a (bi-)weekly basis, where two points per field are selected, in order to measure sugar cane height, diameter, fresh biomass and number of stems per meter. Historical maps of productivity were used to select points in both a low and a high productivity area.

From field to FieldLook

In the first weeks of the campaign, paper field notes were used to note the taken measurement. However, to save time and prevent errors in digitizing the forms, the Fulcrum app is not used to digitally collect the data in the field. After synchronisation of the data, the data quality is checked, and any errors are corrected. Finally, the data is uploaded onto the DINOSAR FieldLook platform, where data can be visualized and analysed.

The crop growth measurement process follows methodological guidelines established by scientists from the Sugarcane Research Center in previous studies conducted in similar environments. However, these measurements are now conducted directly in commercial fields with greater intensity. This approach aims to enhance the precision of growth variable measurements and to better understand their behavior at the crop level, as well as their interactions with varying environmental factors such as soil type, altitude, and variety.

The geolocation of growth stations enhances the stability of measurement sites, which are precisely marked and monitored on a weekly basis. This approach facilitates the calibration of remote sensor imagery to more accurately capture crop growth during the initial phase. Preliminary analyses indicate that crop management during the first 8-9 weeks of growth has a substantial impact on the overall production cycle, where a vigorous start can significantly contribute to higher biomass yields.

Previous experiences of sugarcane researchers have shown significant stem population dynamics. Initially, a first growth phase occurs with a high number of stems, followed by a self-thinning process that leads to a second growth phase, where the remaining stems strengthen and ultimately reach harvest. This dynamic varies depending on the variety and environmental conditions.

Key figures

• Since July, 88 days have been spent in the field to collect data, spread over 20 weeks, (re)visiting the field points 790 times

• In total, the sugar canes have been measured for height 23699 times, which totals to a length of 7.63 kilometres of sugar cane

• To measure the biomass, 2304 plants have been weighted, totaling to 337 kilograms of fresh biomass