Suitable Biomass for a Sustainable Sugarcane Industry
Project participants: The University of Queensland, CRC Northern Australia, Sugar Research Australia and Far Northern Milling Pty Ltd.
Total project value: $1,185,986
Project length: 3 years (2020-2023)
Finish date: 30 September 2023
Project status: Current
Project research leader: Professor Frikkie Botha
Research locations: Mareeba, Mossman, Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.
This project seeks to identify and develop new opportunities for diversification for sugarcane growers and millers in tropical Far North Queensland by examining options to:
- increase the total biomass production per unit land area by screening diverse genotypes and other crops;
- retain close to current sucrose production but increase the total carbon production (more fibre and molasses or cane juice); and
- add-value to the fibre, molasses and tops of the sugarcane plant.
In addition to testing new 'energycane' varieties, researchers will also trial the use of sorghum as a perennial feedstock option for mills and growers. Gathered data will assist researchers to identify the 'best bet' diversification options and sustainable business models to inform future industry investment and planning.
![](/files/77082/Planting%20Sept%202020_1.jpg)
Expected outcomes
- Develop a comprehensive chemical profile of the sugarcane plant (stem and leaves) for both current commercial varieties and atypical germplasm that are well suited for biomass production and diversification opportunities.
- A comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of sorghum to determine how it can complement the sugarcane biomass supply.
- A diversification model for all sugarcane production areas that wish to diversify their income streams from sugarcane.
Project Updates
Project Update 1: Project overview
Project Update 2: Mid-season crop composition
Project Update 3: Mid-season sugarcane water-soluble chemical composition
Project Update 4: Sweet Sorghum as a Supplementary Crop
Project Update 5: Sweet Sorghum in a Sugarcane Production System
Project Update 6: Suitable Biomass for a Sustainable Sugarcane Industry
Project Update 7: Yield and composition of the sugarcane plant crop
Project Update 8: Suitable Biomass for a Sustainable Sugarcane Industry
CONTACT
Professor Frederik Botha
Professorial Research Fellow,
Centre for Crop Science,
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation,
The University of Queensland.
E: f.botha@uq.edu.au
View researcher profile
PROJECT PARTICIPANTS