(07/27/26) JEANERETTE, La. — Sugarcane growers learned about a fertilizer management tool designed to improve efficiency and reduce input costs during a field day July 22 at the LSU AgCenter Iberia Research Station.

The event drew farmers from New Iberia, St. Mary and Vermilion parishes.

At a field stop highlighting variable rate technology, or VRT, LSU AgCenter soil scientist Brenda Tubaña discussed how the technology helps growers apply nitrogen fertilizer more efficiently across their fields.

Before introducing the equipment, Tubaña emphasized the importance of managing nitrogen, one of the largest production expenses in sugarcane farming.

“For most of you, you probably can agree with me that nitrogen fertilizer is the most expensive input in sugarcane production,” Tubaña said. “There are so many ways in which we can lose those nutrients in the field.”

She explained that heavy rainfall events can quickly remove nitrogen from fields through leaching and runoff, which is one reason her team continues to focus on improving fertilizer efficiency.

“The concept of variable rate technology,” Tubaña said, “is the idea is that we are producing more sugar with less nitrogen.”

Using ground-based sensors mounted to a fertilizer applicator, the system measures crop conditions in real time and adjusts nitrogen rates based on yield potential and available nutrients in the soil.

“With years and years of data since 2008, we reached a point where we were able to build one that can be used right now in a commercial setting,” Tubaña said.

According to Tubaña, reducing unnecessary fertilizer applications can help lower production costs without sacrificing sugar yields.

“If we can make a recommendation that will not harm the sugar yield and cut some fertilizer, that for me is income,” she said. “We are increasing the use efficiency of our system and producing more sugar per every unit of nitrogen applied.”

The technology featured at the field day is being evaluated through the LSU AgCenter’s Best Management Practices on Model Farms project, which is funded by the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation. Tubaña said the project has expanded its reach in recent years, allowing researchers to test the technology on more farms and acreage across Louisiana — which also provides learning opportunities for farmers.

“This year we have 12 sites,” Tubaña said. “For those who would like for us to visit next spring to do variable rate application in your field, please reach out.”

Brenda Tubaña, LSU AgCenter soil fertility specialist, stands in front of farm equipment that uses variable rate technology. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter

Brenda Tubaña, LSU AgCenter soil fertility specialist, talks at a field stop on variable fertilizer rates. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter