Further Studies on the Use of a Polyethylene Mulch in the Growing of Sugarcane

Results are reported of six plant and three ratoon crop experiments in which the practice of applying a clear polyethylene film (PE film) to sugarcane was evaluated. A yield response to PE film was obtained in three out of the six plant crop experiments but there was no response to a PE film applied to ratoon cane. In five plant cane and in one ratoon cane experiment, substantial improvements in germination, and increases in cane stalk populations and the rates of stalk elongation were recorded. These effects declined with age. The residual effect of a PE film applied to plant cane was measured in the first ratoon crop in one experiment and found to be negligible. Various widths of PE film (90 cm, 60 cm, 45 cm and 38 cm) were compared and the widest was found to be marginally superior. The reasons for the variable responses to treatments are discussed with particular reference to the effects of season and soil type. It is considered that the use of a PE film could be warranted only for autumn planting.