Observed properties imparted to soils at economical levels by a wide range of different polymer emulsions are discussed. The results of pot experin~ents are summarised indicating how specifically treated sand can reduce soil moisture evaporation, increase temperatures in wet soils and reduce leaching losses of fertilizers. Early shoot counts from four separate replicated field experiments plant...

Ion exchange processes have been of considerable assistance in the cane sugar industry for the reduction of scaling in evaporators and other heat exchange equipment. Similarly, ion exchange decolorizers have been useful for production of high quality consumer sugar as well as in the manufacture of liquid sugar. This paper will develop the technical information rbquired for a successful juice de...

Since the nutrient survey of the South African sugar industry in 1970 little use has been made of analytical data for determining trends in soil fertility and plant nutnent uptake in the regional extension areas of the industry. This became possible in 1980 following computerisation of fertilizer recommendations by the Fertilizer Advisory Service (FAS)of the Experiment Station. Since then a dat...

Increasing irrigation levels from 37% to 84% of Class "A" Pan evaporation produced a linear increase in cane yield from 65 to 146 tonslha. The response with burnt cane was greater due to more severe moisture stress, and there was also an increase in cane yield between 84% and 100% Pan which was absent in trashed cane. Maximum sucrose content, as well as brix, purity and recoverable sugar % cane...

Fluorescence spectroscopic properties of honey and cane sugar syrup were investigated in order to explore the use of optical techniques for detection of adulteration of honey with cane sugar syrup. Measurements showed that while the major contributor to the fluorescence of cane sugar syrup is the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, the fluorescence of honey is dominated by flavin...

In South Africa (SA), individual consignments of shredded cane are analysed by the direct analysis of cane method (DAC). Although this procedure is capable of producing excellent sampling and accurate analysis of consignments, it is labour intensive. NIR has been used by several sugar industries for determining cane quality for cane payment purposes. Earlier work in SA indicated that At-line NI...

Sugar extraction from cane requires shredding and crushing, both of which are energy intensive activities. Cane shredders account for almost 30% of the total power requirements for the juice extraction train in a sugar mill with four mills. Shredder hammers also wear quickly during the crushing season and need to be regularly maintained or replaced. Microwave pre-treatment of other plant based ...

For optimum production it is important to plant approved cane varieties in suitable environments. The indiscriniinatc planting of varieties which have not been screened for undesirable features can lead lo heavy financial losses being incurred, not only by the individual, but by an entire sugar industry. 111 order to prevent such disastrous consequences phytosanitary regulations are laid down, ...