Effect of seaweed-extract application on sugarcane production
By T Arioli, G Hepworth and B Farnsworth
Sugarcane productivity may be improved by the use of seaweed extracts. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of seaweed extract application on sugarcane production. This research used two approaches: a small-plot experimental field trial to investigate the effect of seaweed application on sugarcane emergence after planting, and commercial-scale field trials conducted (from 2014 to 2018) to evaluate the effect of seaweed application on cane and sugar production and economics. The use of seaweed application during sugarcane production improved emergence and increased cane yield, sugar yield and grower profitability. Key words Field trials, seaweed extract, Seasol®, productivity, sugarcane