Mechanization development of sugarcane production in Guangxi

ObjectiveThe differences in sugarcane production cost and output of Guangxi sugarcane production un-der fully mechanization,semi-mechanization and habitual planting were compared,and the reasons were also analyzed. Then suggestions for improving sugarcane production competitiveness of Guangxi,even China,were put forward.MethodGuitang(GT-32)was selected as material.Field experiment was carried out in three separate experimental fields by three different production methods included fully mechanized planting,semi-mechanized planting and habitual plan-ting since 2011/2012 till 2016/2017 grindling seasons.In the process of sugarcane planting in each season,various produc-tion expenditures were counted. Topsoil layer thickness,ratooning period,plant height,stem weight,stem diameter, sugar content,effective number of stem,yield and actual production costs under each planting method were measured at harvest time.In addition,the production costs between China and other major sugarcane producing countries were ana-lyzed,and the recommendation for future production cost optimization was made on account of the comparative analysis and field experiment results.ResultThere was no significant difference in plant height and sugar content among the three different production methods(P>0.05). Mechanization could achieve deep plowing,deep scarification and longer ratooning period.The stem diameter,stem weight,effective number of stem and yield were significantly improved by mechanized planting compared with habitual planting(P<0.05).The results of fully mechanized planting were better than semi-mechanized planting.In terms of production cost,mechanization planting took place of trditional manual work,and reduced fertilizer and irrigation costs.Therefore,compared with habitual planting,fully mechanized planting and semi-mechanized planting could cut down the costs in cultivation,harvest,fertilizer,pesticide and labor greatly.But the gap between China and other major sugarcane producing countries in terms of land use cost was large,and China did not enjoy cost advantage.ConclusionGuangxi sugarcane production should adhere to mechanization development unremittingly in order to enhance competitiveness in the globe.Current farmland management system requires reformation and innovation to cut down the production cost per production unit effectively.