Plant growth, radiation use efficiency and yield of sugarcane cultivated in agroforestry systems: An alternative for threatened ecosystems

Abstract

Sugarcane (Sacharum officinarum L.) monocropping has had a great socio-economic and environmental impact in Brazil, and agroforestry systems have been considered as an alternative for more sustainable production; however, there is a lack of field research under such conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth rates, radiation use efficiency and yield traits in sugarcane cultivated in the understory of Aleurites fordii, in two agroforestry arrangements and monocropping systems. A field experiment was conducted from July 2015 to June 2016 in the city of Frederico Westphalen, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The radiation use efficiency, assimilate partitioning, leaf area index, absolute growth rate, net assimilation rate, number of tillers, plant height, % of intercepted solar radiation, extinction coefficient, and yield in each system was evaluated. In agroforestry systems, the dynamic interactions between multiple plant species change with the time and can result in unique microclimates. The use of agroforestry systems in 12 x 12m arrangements should be prioritized because it enables greater yields and radiation availability in the understory. This study sought to provide new sustainable alternatives for farmers in order to increase the diversification of the rural property and maintain the preservation of existing agroecosystems.An Acad Bras Cienc (2018) 90 (4) 3266FELIPE SCHWERZ et al.

Bean–soybean succession under full sun and in agroforestry systems: Impacts on radiation use efficiency, growth and yield

“…Similar results were observed by Schwerz et al. (2018) who analysed sugarcane growth in different agroforestry arrangements and full sun, and found that shading affected the absolute growth rate and net assimilation rate of the crop. Similarly, Yang et al.…”

“…Studies conducted in agroforestry systems have confirmed changes in crop characteristics, such as the absolute growth rate and net assimilation rate in sugarcane (Schwerz et al., 2018), leaf area index, absolute growth rate (Yang et al., 2019) and yield of wheat (Duan et al., 2019), biomass production and protein content of piatã palisadegrass and corn (Pezzopane et al., 2019). Duan et al.…”

Anatomy and Drying of Wood of Four Species From an Agroforestry System

“…The species P. rigida and P. dubium showed the highest values for the cell wall fraction. According to Sette Junior et al (2012), an increase in the cell wall fraction increases the basic density of the wood, consequently improving its mechanical properties and making the wood highly resistant.…”

“…Agroforestry systems (SAFs) involve the introduction of forest components for interactions with agricultural components. SAFs have been developed with specific characteristics regarding the species used, which are adapted to the location, with productive potential and interact with each other, the temporal arrangement that responds to the plan over time, and spatial arrangement of the components with spacing between plants according to the objectives and functionality of the system (SCHWERZ et al, 2018). Globally, interest in the implementation of SAFs has grown, and efforts for its diffusion in Brazil are considerable.…”

The Potential of increasing rice production through high-yield varieties

“…Plant height is related to the utilization of solar radiation. [13] stated that varieties that can utilize high solar radiation for photosynthesis have a plant height of at least 100 cm and the leaves at the top of the plant remain green when filling the grain until the grain turns yellow. The variety of plant heights between varieties is caused by genetic factors and environmental factors.…”