N Sorol, P Diez, M Ruiz and O Diez
Estación Experimental Agroindustrial Obispo Colombres (EEAOC), Las Talitas, T4101XAC Tucumán, Argentina; nrsorol@eeaoc.org.ar
Sugar mills in Tucumán, Argentina, continue using indirect methods to assess sugarcane quality for payment purposes. This study aimed to implement and optimize a more accessible and economical direct evaluation method. A cold-wet digestion technique was developed, using a high-power blender as an alternative to expensive hydraulic presses and digesters. This method enables direct analysis of shredded cane and bagasse samples. Calibration models were developed using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with a Bruker MPA II instrument and OPUS software to quantify Brix%cane, Pol%cane, ART%cane, fiber and moisture in 700 samples over two harvest seasons. Compared with traditional methods, good correlations and low prediction errors were found. Analysis time and reagent use were significantly reduced, enhancing sustainability. Additionally, a method for determining Total Reducing Sugars (ART) in bagasse and filter cake was optimized, based on the Fehling Causse-Bonnans method. The technique demonstrated high precision, with coefficient of variation (CV) values below 2%, well within the acceptance criterion of ±5%. These methods and preliminary findings provide valuable tools for quality control in sugar and ethanol production, improving result reliability, lowering operational costs, and reducing environmental impact.