New article on sugarcane modelling

The article by Kebalo et al. (2025) aims to parameterise and validate the STICS model for sugarcane growth in a wide range of environments and for underground variables (root length, biomass and perennial reserve) and above-ground variables, including leaf area index, intercepted radiation and biomass components (stem, leaves). Validation was performed on above-ground variables.

Although it was only parameterised for varieties from Réunion Island, the model proved robust enough to simulate part of the above-ground biomass at harvest for many international varieties. The STICS model can be used with good robustness to simulate sugarcane growth in similar varieties and soil and climate conditions, allowing for the exploration of management strategies that could boost productivity while maintaining the sustainability of cropping systems.

Kebalo L. F., Versini A., Soulie J.-C., Ramos M., Chevalier L., Chaput M., Christina M., 2025. Modeling perennial sugarcane growth with the STICS soil-crop model in contrasted environments: Assessment of accuracy and robustness, Field Crops Research, 333, 110100, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110100.