Comparative analysis of sugarcane harvesters: Effects on waste management across varieties and field ages

• Study investigates waste in sugarcane harvesting at IKAIC and HTAIC in Iran. • Significant differences in cane waste with F-ratio of 86.68 (p < 0.001). • H-7000 model shows higher waste than H-8000, indicating upgrade opportunities. • CP57 variety yielded most waste; CP48 produced least using the H-7000 machine. • Waste peaked at Plant and Ratoon 1 stages; effective management needed for costs. This study investigates the waste generated during sugarcane harvesting at the Imam Khomeini Agro-Industrial Company (IKAIC) and Haft Tappeh Agro-Industrial Company (HTAIC) in Khuzestan Province, Iran. It focuses on how harvester type, sugarcane variety, and field age affect waste levels. Statistical analysis using ANOVA showed significant differences in cane waste production. Findings indicate that inefficient operational protocols in the H-7000 model contribute to higher waste, suggesting opportunities for technological upgrades and improved harvesting practices to enhance efficiency. The results indicate a clear relationship between harvester type and waste production, with the H-8000 model consistently resulting in less waste than the H-7000 model. Among the sugarcane varieties, CP57 yielded the most waste, while CP48 produced the least when harvested with the H-7000 machine. The trend was similar for the H-8000 harvester, with CP73 generating more waste than CP57. Field age also played a critical role, as waste levels peaked at the Plant and Ratoon 1 stages, while Ratoon 3 and 4 stages resulted in minimal waste. Economically, the average income from cane waste was higher for the H-7000 harvester (452.26 $ ha −1 ) compared to the H-8000- model (340.56 $ ha −1 ), emphasizing the need for effective waste management to reduce production costs. The disparities in waste production underscore the importance of operational conditions, indicating that optimizing these factors could lead to sustainable and profitable sugarcane production. Overall, this research highlights the potential for waste reduction strategies that not only improve yields but also align economic and environmental goals in agriculture.