Advances in sugarcane irrigation for optimisation of water supply

Publication date: 11/12/2017
Extent: 22 pages

Contributions by: Jean-Louis Chopart, AGERconsult, France (Section 3.2 contributed by M. T. Sall, B. Ahondokpe, and G. Walter, Senegalese Sugar Company, Senegal)

Chapter synopsis: A long-standing water deficit outside the pre-harvest stage may reduce sugarcane yield and, as climate changes, irrigation presents a major challenge to improving sugarcane crop performance and extending cultivated areas. This chapter describes the water requirements of sugarcane and current irrigation practices, as well as suggesting ways of adjusting and optimising sugarcane irrigation that can make it more sustainable, including decision-making tools. The chapter includes detailed case studies of irrigation practices in Réunion Island (France) and Sénégal as examples of contrasting environments. It looks ahead to future developments and brings forward proposals for improving irrigation efficiency and sustainability for smallholders.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2017.0035.13