Crop modelling to support sustainable sugarcane cultivation

Publication date: 11/12/2017
Extent: 24 pages

Contributions by: Abraham Singels, University of Kwazulu-Natal and University of Pretoria, South Africa

Chapter synopsis: The chapter describes the use of crop simulation models to support research and management of sustainable cultivation of sugarcane. It supplies case studies of strategic applications, including benchmarking of crop productivity and resource use and assessing environmental impacts of current operations, new developments and future scenarios. The chapter describes the use of crop modelling support for operational management, including irrigation scheduling and yield forecasting. The chapter discusses strengths and weaknesses of different modelling approaches and their relevance for a variety of applications. The chapter looks ahead to opportunities for integrating crop modelling with new crop monitoring technologies and improved weather forecasts.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2017.0035.08