Optimum number of ratoons in sugar cane: evaluation of a predictor
| MSI99P1561 | |
| Tonta, J. | |
| University of London, Wye College, London | |
| Optimum number of ratoons in sugar cane: evaluation of a predictor | |
| Report, MSc, Agricultural Economics | |
| Thesis | |
| 1993 | |
| 50 p., 8 tbls, 1 fig., 5 app. | |
| En | |
| En | |
| An attempt is made to develop a predictor the the determination of optimum number of ratoons in sugarcane. This predictor is based on the average of the yields of the early stages of the cane cycle, i.e. plant cane, 1st and 2nd ratoon. In order to represent the various yield sequence possibilities occuring under Mauritian conditions, 4 classes, each consisting of 25 cane cycles starting from plant cane to the 8th ratoon are generated on computer spreadsheet. The 4 classes differ from each other in terms of yield and ratoon decline over time. For each of the 100 cane cycles generated, the optimum number of ratoons are determined by means of Discounted Cash Flow Analysis (DCFA) at a selected discount rate. Each ratoon category from the 3rd onwards, is expressed as a percentage of the average yield of plant cane, 1st and 2nd ratoons (referred to as the predictor). Results show that for a given cane cycle to be optimal at a stage r, the pre-optimal and optimal yields should be greater than or equal in value to that of the corresponding predictor. In general, ratoons categories following the optimal stage, have lower yields. Under alternative costs and revenues situations where the optimal length of the cane cycle is prolonged, the level of the predictor has to be revised downwards mathematically. The predictor developed will be of relevence to farmers in their replant decision process if, and only if, at the end of each harvest, they are able to form expectations of the yield of the next ratoon. In the field of sugarcane research, where economics have to be taken into consideration, this predictor can prove to be a valuable input for the cane breeding programme as well as for the modelisation of cane production systems. | |
| SUGARCANE ECONOMICS AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS | |
| MAURITIUS | |
| Economics | |
| 1994-01-31 | |
| En | |
| ECON | |
| CAT | |
| ECON |