Sugarcane straw and bagasse

Abstract

For centuries now, sugarcane is being cultivated and is acting as a source of sugar production. This production is the source of many breeding programs all around the world. The sugarcane straw usually considered as trash is normally burned or is left in the soil depending on the harvesting system. There is an immense amount of straw being wasted yearly. Besides utilizing the straw for energy production or its requirement, there are a lot of other agronomic benefits that enhance the possibility of the straw blanket placed/left on the ground including protection of soil avoiding erosion, increasing organic ratio of content of carbon in the soil, inhibition of growth of weed, recycling of nutrients in textile fiber, and soil water reduction. Although consumption of sugarcane is very popular worldwide, certain factors are to be kept in mind regarding postharvest storage of stalk that involves enzymatic browning. This chapter focuses on ways sugarcane straw can be utilized as a primary source for the production of products having great agronomic value. Balancing the pros of keeping sugarcane fields with a percentage of straw, which significantly outnumber the cons, economists are keen to find out beneficial properties and economic aspects of keeping straw on the ground rather than using it all as possible energy source. The most challenging factor is to maintain the straw quality rendering it useful.