SAMPLING S T U D I E S IN SUGARCANE

IV. T h e E s t i m a t i o n of F i b r e C o n t e n t

BY K. L. KHANNA, F.A.Sc., S. C. SEN, M.Sc., F.R.I.C., AND

K. S. BANDYOPADHYAY, M.A.
(Central Sugarcane Research Station, Pusa, Bihar)

Received August 6, 1949

I. INTRODUCTION
FIBRE is the dry water-insoluble matter of sugarcane and it greatly influences
the milling house efficiency, viz., extraction, milling capacity, recovery of
commercial sugar, etc. A suitable sampling technique for its accurate
estimation is thus a desideratum. That a slight increase in fibre per cent.
of cane brings about considerable reduction in recoverable 95 ~ sugar has
been shown by Kerr and Cassidy 0937) and Daubert 0939). Davis 0936)
and Ryan (1937) drew attention to the laboratory technique for the determina-
tion of fibre content. Earlier Moberly (1935) had pointed out that the
accuracy of any method of determining fibre depends primarily upon the
efficiency of sampling and that reasonably consistent results might be
obtained with samples of 200 pounds of cane. Kerr (1939) in his investiga-
tions on the sampling studies found that there was a considerable amount
of variation in fibre content within the stalk, from stalk to stalk, and be-
tween different varieties. He showed, however, that a sample of 18 stalks
for 'Badila ', l l for " Clark's seedling ", 14 for " S . J. 4 " and 43 for
" D 1135 " was sufficient for the reliable estimation of fibre content.
The determination of fibre of a complete stalk affords practical diffi-
culties and it is, therefore, imperative to see if a whole stalk could be re-
placed by some of its specific portions. The aim of the present contribution
is to present systematically the variations that exist in between rows, canes
and portions of a cane and to indicate, following a study of the variations,
the minimum sample size required for a plot of an 1/40th acre in the accurate
assessment of fibre value.
II. METHOD OF FIBRE DETERMINATION USED IN THE LABORATORY
The standard direct method (Appendix) recommends the use of calico
bags for washing the pulp but results obtained at the station (Table I) showed
269
270 K.L. K h a n n a and others

that fibre content varied appreciably when fresh and used calico bags were
employed, thus necessitating their frequent changes and maintenance of
quality. Besides such a method would be of little avail where large rounds
of analysis have to be completed during the course of the day.

TABLE I

Showing fibre ~ cane in flesh and used calico bags

Progressive Fibre per cent. ~talk as determined

SI. estimations with by direct method
No. the same Calico
bags
Co 313 Co 299

1 Fresh Q I 15.94 17.97

2 One ~ 15.75 18.14
3 Two 9 O 15.90 17.98
4 Three 15.82 17" 78
5 Four O O [ 15.70 17"79
6 Five $O 15.85 17.82
7 Six 15.62 17" 68
8 Seven 15.40 17"44
9 Eight 15.34 17.52
10 Nine 15.00 17"25
U Ten 14.84 17"05
12 Eleven 14.65 16 "88
13 Twelve 14.36 16.90
14 Thirteen 14.10 16 972
15 Fourteen 13.98 16.65
16 Fifteen 13.90 16.50

Recourse had, therefore, to be had to Deerr's indirect method (1928). Each

sampling unit was shredded and pulp obtained by means of an electric
defibrating machine (Plate VIII). Precautions were taken to keep the pulp
covered till weighment which was done almost immediately after defibration
in order to reduce to minimum the loss of moisture due to evaporation.
It was then dried in an electric oven at 102 ~ C. to constant weight. The
fibre per cent. was calculated with the help of the formula,
100m
Fibre per cent. of cane = 100
100 -- b'
where m -----moisture per cent. pulp,
b = bfix per cent. cane which, was found from sampling units

by crushing the remaining portions of the canes. That this method gives
reliable results will be obvious from data (Table II) collected with the gwo
methods.
 Sampling" S/udies in Su~arcane--I k' 271
TABLE II
Showing comparative results by two methods of fibre determination

Fibre ~ cane Fibre ~ cane

SI. No. Sl. No.
Direct Indirect Direct Indirect

I 16.67 16.87 46 12.20 12.10

2 15.80 15.40 47 15.40 14.37
3 13.80 14.12 48 11.20 10.60
4 14.20 13.60 49 16.40 16.56
5 13.60 14.01 56 16.20 16.44
6 13.40 12.57 51 15.60 16.61
7 17.80 17.36 52 15.80 15.88
8 13.60 13.14 53 15.80 16.48
9 14.20 13.00 54 16-80 17.13
10 13.60 14.07 55 16.60 16" 22
11 15.40 18.52 56 15.40 14.98
12 14.20 13.63 57 16.80 16.91
13 16.80 16.56 58 16.00 16.29
14 13.60 13.06 59 16.60 16.40
15 12.60 12.14 60 16.40 15.89
16 10.20 10.00 61 13.44 14.44
17 14.20 13.86 62 13.80 13.44
18 15.40 14.96 63 13.60 14.52
19 16.60 17.23 64 15"40 15.87
2O 15.20 15.67 65 14.80 14.34
21 14.00 14.1~ 66 16.60 16.69
22 14.20 13.22 67 16.80 16.79
23 13- 70 13.96 68 16.40 16.31
24 10.60 13.83 69 15.60 16.04
25 12.60 13.10 70 16.20 16.56
26 12.60 12.48 71 16.80 16.04
27 14.00 13.90 72 15.60 15.42
28 12.00 13.32 73 18.00 17 -85
29 14.20 13.30 74 16.60 16.51
3O 15.20 15.06 75 13.80 13.88
31 14.60 14.76 76 15 960 14.96
32 14.40 13.94 77 14.60 14.16
33 14 920 14.35 78 13.80 14.04
34 15.00 16.34 79 14.40 13.36
35 14.45 14.16 80 12.4 11.02
36 15.70 14.96 81 14.40 14.43
37 17.20 17.80 82 14 960 14.52
38 14.20 14.45 83 14.40 13.78
39 14.40 14.74 84 16.50 15.52
4O 15.60 16.13 85 14.00 15.20
41 16.00 15 972 86 15. O0 14.24
42 15.20 15.38 87 17.60 17.18
43 13.20 12.26 88 14.00 14.41
44 12.40 12.48 89 15.20 14.98
45 13.20 13.40 90 14.00 14.79

The analysis of variance (Table III) showed that differences due to methods
were statistically not significant and that the indirect-method could be
reliably employed for studies of this nature,
272 K. L. K h a n n a and others

TABLE I I I

Showing analysis of variance

Degrees of Sum of squares Variance Ratio

Due to freedom

Between m e t h o d s .. 1 0.1212 O- 1212 0 90455

i

Within methods (Error) 9. 178 474.4926 2.6657

Total .. 179 474. 6138

,el
Mean Fibre % (Direct) .. 14.79

Mean Fibre % (Indirect) 14.73

III. EXPERIMENTAL DATA

With the help of the formula outlined in the preceding section, the
data on fibre per cent. have been collected for three varieties--Co 299, Co 313
and Co 356 representing early, medium-early and mid-season varieties.
The material falls under three categories. In the first category rows were
at first selected at random in a plot and then random selection was made
of canes in each row in such a manner as not to include two canes from
the same d u m p . Each cane was subsequently divided into three approxi-
mately equal divisions (1) bottom, (2)middle and ( 3 ) t o p ; and each
division was further subdivided into portions, each containing a complete
nodal length (a node and an internode). Two such portions in a division
were separately analysed for fibre content. For each cane, therefore,
there were six observations, each being the value of fibre per cent. of a
portion. The statement below gives the details of the data collected
under the first category:

No. of Time of fibre No. of sampling u n l t s i n

Variety plots Size of the plot determination

Rows Canes Div. I Portions

Co. 313 1/40th acre (40' x 27') November 10 10 3 2

(b) Co. 313 1/40th acre (60' x[21') Febl uary 3 15 3 2

Co) Co. 299 1/40th acre (60' X 21') March 3 15 3

Under the second category, fibre per cent. was determined individually
for each cane available in two plots (1/40th acre each),--one under Co 313
 Sampling Studies in SugarcanemlV 273

and the other under Co 299. The details o f data under the third category,
where the fibre per cent. was determined clumpwise are given below:

SI. No. of Time of fibre No. of sampling

Veriety Size of the plot
No. plots determination unit in

Rows* Clumps

tii (a) Co. 313 9 O 4 1/40th acre (60' x 21') January 6 10

tii (b) Co. 313 0 $ do do March do do

iii (c) Co. 299 J m do do January do do

iii (d) Co. 299 Ig do do March do do

iii (e) Co. 3~6 ~ do do January do do

iii (f) Co. 356 9 O do do March do do

* Central 2-7 rows were taken.

IV. NESTED SAMPLING

Formuhe o f Nested sampling (Roy and Banerjee, 1940 and Mahalanobis,

1944) have been adopted in order to get the estimates of the variations
contributed by the successive stages of sampling--plots, rows, canes divisions
and portions, which have been defined as the zones o f successive orders.
~1 ~, ~ , ~3~, ~r4~ and cr52, the true variances in the respective zones o f the five-
fold Nested sampling (equal case) may be estimated in the following manner:

Let
v 1 be the mean square between plots
v~ ,, ,, rows within plots
v3 ,, ,, canes within rows
v4 ,, ,, divisions within canes
v5 . . . . portions within divisions

Then
v 5 will estimate 053
V4 ,~ m ~4$Ju r
V3 ,,

mnp~2 + mnos2.-b mcr~q- % ~

mnpqcq~+ mnp,r~+ mn%~+ m~42+ o~2
274 K.L. K h a n n a and o t h e r s

The variance o f the mean would be given b y :

0-19. 0-22 0-32 0"42 0-5__~

2
v (x . . . . . . ) = -{ + -iq + ~ + t q ~ + tqpnrn
t is the number of plots
q ,, rows in a plot
p ,, canes in a row
n ,, divisions in a cane
m ,, portions in a division.

The formulae corresponding to Nested sampling of lesser orders, used

in course of the present paper, will follow from symmetry.

(ii) The formula~ for three-fold Nested sampling in unequal case will
also be required. They are reproduced below:

Let v x, v2 be respectively the mean squares due to the zones of succes-

sive orders (e.g., rows, clumps and canes) in the table o f Analysis of variance.
Then 0-1~, 0-2~, 0-a2, the true variances in the zones o f successive orders m a y
be estimated as follows:

v, will estimate 0-8~

(n - t) v, will estimate m -- ,~i Z/rn~ii~

- - - ~ - / j 0-2 + 0-3~(n _ t)

(t -- 1) vl will estimate {m ~imi2~

-tn ~ 0-t2 +
{Zi ~imii~
mi
"}
o~~ + es 2 (t - 1),
where

m,i---the number of third order zones in the j t h second order zone

of the ith first order zone.

m i = the total number of third order zones occurring in the ith first
order zone, and

S i r e i -~- m = the total number of third order zones.

n = the total number of second order zones.

t = the total number of first order zones,

 Sampling Studies in Sugaycane--I V 275
Finally
z~i mi ~ "~iZi mii 2 1

If in the process of estimation, the estimate of any variance comes out

to be negative, it has to be taken as zero.

V. VARIATIONS OCCURRING IN PORTIONS AND DIVISIONS AS

AGAINST CANES AND ROWS

(i) Co 313
The data (ia) mentioned in section (3) consists of 10 • 10 • 3 • 2
600 observations, each being the value of fibre per cent. of a portion in a
cane. There are 100 canes in all and for each cane there are 6 such observa-
tions. Using the formula~ corresponding to four-fold Nested sampling, the
estimates of the variances due to rows, canes, divisions and portions have
been obtained and shown in the last line of Table IV. Columns (5), (7),
(9) and (11) of the table show respectively these estimates and the adjacent
columns the percentage variations due to each of these four sources. It
will be seen that the variations due to canes is the maximum being 40.63~
and that due to rows is the minimum being 4.02~. The percentage
variations due to divisions and portions are 37.77 and 17.58 respectively.
The mean fibre per cent. is 14.09 and the error expressed as its percentage
has come out to be 1.35.
Fibre per cent. for this plot was determined during the month of
November, whereas the fibre per cent. for each of the 6 plots shown in the
first 6 rows of Table IV was determined during February. For the purpose
of comparing the errors in these two sets of plots, account has to be taken
of the fact that the sample sizes were different. The average error ~ in
the first 6 plots is 2.91, whereas the adjusted error per cent. for the 7th plot,
in the table, comes out to be 2.21. For all practical purposes, these two
percentages may be considered to be of the same order. The average fibre
per cent. for the first 6 plots is 13- 67, whereas the fibre per cent. for the 7th
plot is 14.09. These values also are not significantly different from one
another. The variations due to the different sources in these 6 plots show
more or less a similar trend with those of the last plot.
When, however, a pooled analysis is made of the first 6 plots and the
estimates of the variances obtained by the formula~ given in Section (4) it
is seen that variation due to canes still remains the maximum and that the
276 K . L . Khanna and others

X X

X o o ~ ~ o,

X X
9

o o o o ~

6 6 6 6

r.
II II
b

b b

. 9 : : :
 Sampling Studies in Sug,arcanemIV 277
variation due to plots now becomes the minimum. The following table
gives the estimated variances and their values expressed as percentages of
the total variation:

Variance Variance
of total

Portions 0.2334 21.10

Divisions 0.2018 18.35

Canes .. 0.3313 30.28

Rows .. 0.2108 19.27

Plots .. 0.1226 11.00

(ii) Co 299
The similar data available for Co 299 have been subjected to the same
type of analysis and the results have been set out in Table V. It has been
found that the mean fibre per cent. of Co 299 is significantly higher than that
of Co 313. The variations in the fibre per cent. shown by the different sources
are in general high and have reflected in the high standard errors. In one
plot, the standard error has been as high as 9"02~o. These plots have
shown a divergence amongst themselves in respect of the variances due to
the different sources, but the variation due to canes has none the less been
high in all the plots except in one.
This set of four plots has also been subjected to a pooled analysis. The
estimates of the variances are given below:

Variance V a ri a nc e %
of total

Portions 0.6551 14.2875

Divisions 1.2805 26-3571

Canes 0.9983 21.7727

Rows 1.6612 36.2304

Plots 0.0620 1.3525

It will be noticed in the above table that the variation due to rows has
been the highest and that due to divisions has been second in order of
magnitude. The pl~ts under Co 299, therefore, show a marked divergence
278 K . L . Khanna and others
~3
0 X

X o 0 o

X
o

0 0 0

.
,--t
b

C~ OO
r~
b
~.o
(..)~
o =
03

N N N
b p.c~
& o . ~I
]I ]I
b vo

b
0

b
o =
03

Jl II

I
b
 Sampling Sludies in Sugarcane--lU 279
from the plots under Co 313, analysed before, in the distribution of the
percentage varations.
VI. AGREEMENT IN BETWEEN THE FIBRE PER CENT. VALUES OBTAINED FROM
A COMPOSITE SAMPLE OF A CANE AND THE M E A N OF THE FIBRE
PER CENT. VALUES OBTAINED FROM SUB-SAMPLES OF THE C A N E

An attempt has then been made to find out whether or not the fibre
per cent. obtained from a composite sample of a number of sub-samples
taken from a cane agrees with the mean fibre per cent. of the sub-samples.
For this purpose, 12 random canes of Co 313 were taken and each was
divided into 6 portions. The fibre per cent. was then determined for each
composite sample as well as individually for each sub-sample. Another
set of 12 random canes was taken and each cane was divided into 3 portions
for similar analysis. Table VI shows these details. Student's t-tests reveal

TABLE V I

Showing the agreement in between the mean of individual values and the
value of the composite sample

Set i Set II

Mean of individual Value of Mean of individual i Value of

values I compostte sample values i composite sample
i

1 13.99 i 3 951 13.53 13.44

2 12.88 13.33 15.43 14.98
3 12.80 13.73 12.85 12.32
4 13.80 13.24 15.09 15.38
5 12.58 13.08 14.29 1~.62
6 1 2 -66 12-90 13,98 15.52
7 12.14 12.66 14.86 16.03
8 13 989 15.15 13.81 14-38
9 11.01 11.49 15.91 15.74
10 11.80 12.13 12.73 13-43
11 12-12 12.29 14.82 15.54
12 13.11 13.55 13 4?8 14.37

Mean difference = 0-27 Mean difference = 0.44

that the agreement in between the mean of the individual values and the
value of the composite sample is very close in both the sets.
VII. DATACOLLECTEOUNDERTHE SECOND CAaXGORYCO 313 ANt) CO 299

After having arrived at the conclusion that the fibre per cent. of a cane
determined from a composite sample can be relied upon, it was decided
B4
280 K.L. K h a n n a and others

to determine on this basis, the fibre per cent. of all the canes in an 1/40th
acre plot under each of the varieties, Co 313 and Co 299. There were
7 rows, 242 clumps and 567 canes in the plot under Co 313, and 7 rows,
220 clumps and 671 canes in the plot under Co 299. The estimation of the
variances due to rows (a12), clumps (a22) and canes (e32) obtained according
to the formulae (unequal numbers) outlined in Section 4 (ii) are given below:

O.into G12~ 0. 2 0"22~/o ~'32~

Variety Mean ~rm of m e a n ~12 of total - o~ total ~a2 of total

Co. 313 .. 14.21 0.52 3.65 1.75 18.27 0 0 7.83 81.73

Co. 299 .. 18.32 0.47 2.57 1.39 12.29 3.50 30-67 6.52 57.14

Here also, it is found that the mean fibre per cent. of Co 299 is significantly
higher than that of Co 313. It will be noticed further that the percentage
variation due to canes (%2) has been the highest. The striking feature in
the above results appears to be the high magnitudes of the standard errors.
The error in respect of Co 313 has been as high as 3-6570, which seems to
be rather too high for the data of complete enumeration.
A random sample taken from these data has also been analysed. Ten
d u m p s were selected at random in each of the seven rows and the fibre per
cent. values of two canes taken at random from each clump were subjected
to similar analysis. The estimatrs of the variances due to rows, clumps
and canes are given below:

Variety Mean I am of total ~12 Of total ~22 of total ~ra2 of total

Co 313 .. 14.18 0.40 2.82 1.09 !2.51 4.41 50.84 3.18 36.65

Co 299 .. 19.03 0.54 2.84 2.54 20.00 5.10 40.00 5.09 40.00

The differences in the mean fibre per cent. values obtained from the
complete data and the sample sets are not statistically significant and both
these sample sets have also revealed that canes contribute a considerable
part of the total variation. The error in respect of Co 313 in the sample
set has been less than that in the data of complete enumeration; and it is
mainly due to the fact that ~2 came out to be zero in the latter.

VIII. DATA COLLECTED UNDER THE THIRD CATEGORY

Fibre per cent. was determined during January and March for a set o f
4 plots each, under each of the varieties, Co 313, Co 299 and Co 356, where
 Sampling Studies in S u g a r c a n e - - I V 281

the fibre per cent. of a clump was found from a composite sample. The
estimated variance with other details have been set out in Table VII.
TABLE VII
Estimates of the variances due to the different zones and S.E. expressed as
percentage of the mean

Mean ~m of r TotalS1,
o r Totalr Plot size No. of observations
mean

C o 313 (January data)

Plot 1 13-13 0.24 1.83 0.00 0.00 3.5422 I00.00 1/40 acre I 6 rows X I0 clumps
2 13.16 0.17 1.29 0.00 0.00 1.7572 100.00 do ] do
3 13.51 0.20 1.48 0.00 0.00 2.4098 100.00 do l do
4 13.62 0.25 1.84 O. 1522 6.04 2.3681 93.96 do l do

Co 299 (January data)

Plot 1 15-84 0.22 1.39 0.4208 13.14 2.7820 86.86 do do

2 16-70 0.47 2.81 1,0495 29.44 2" 5148 70.56 do do
3 15.13 0.37 2.45 0.5442 15.44 2.9580 84.46 do do
4 15.79 0.37 2.34 0.5384 16.20 2.7856 83.80 do do
i
Co 356 (January data)

Plot 1 14.76 0.39 2.64 0.5899 15.48 3-2213 84.52 do do

2 14,97 0.24 1.60 0.00 0.00 3.5296 100.00 do do
3 14.70 0.31 2.11 0.2190 5.83 3-4903 94.17 do do
4 15.16 0.24 1-58 0.00 0.00 3.4985 100.00 do do
i
I
Co 313 (March data)

Plot I 14.85 0.21 1.41 0.1074 6-78 1.4773 93.22 do do

15.31 0.26 1-70 0-00 0.00 3.9859 100.00 do do
16.34 0.21 1-29 0.1343 9.28 1.3133 90.72 do do
15.75 0.26 1.65 0.2946 20.35 1-1530 79.65 do do

Co 299 (March data)

Plot 1 18.67 0.31 1.66 0.4720 26.38 1.3171 73.62 do ~o

2 18.07 O. 25 1.38 0.2180 12.19 1"5701 87.81 do do
3 19.23 0.20 1-04 0.00 0.00 2.3975 100.00 do do
4 17.66 0.21 1.19 0.0685 3.57 1"9031 96.43 do do
i
Co 336 (March data)

Plot 1 19.20 0.25 1.30 0.1647 6.64 2.3153 93.36 do do

2 17-67 0.51 2.89 1.0434 16-10 5"4371 83.90 do do
3 17.59 0.32 1.82 0.0884 1.64 5"3092 98.36 do do
4 19.44 0.17 0.87 0.0632 5.42 1.1024! 94.58 do [ do

ax ~ = Variation due to Rows. ~2 ~ = Variation duo to Clumps.

Analysis reveals that the mean fibre per cent. in January was significantly
less than the mean fibre per cent. in March, whereas in between the different
B5
282 K.L. K h a n n a and others

varieties themselves, the mean fibre per cent. shows the following order of
magnitude : -
J a n u a r y - C o 299 > Co 356 > Co 313
March--Co 299 = Co 356 > Co 313.
The standard errors expressed as percentages have been very low for
all the varieties. The table will indicate that in majority of the plots the
standard errors have been well within 2~o. It will further be noticed that
the variation between rows is but insignificant compared to the variation
between clumps.
IX. S A M P I I N G REQUIREMENTS

On the basis of the standard errors obtained in the different plots, it

is now proposed to find out the required sampling size. Error in all the
TABLE VIII
Number of canes to be selected from each row so that the S.E. may not
exceed 289 and 5% of the mean
Results for plots analysed in Table I V
Rows ---- 3

Plot I Plot Plot Plot Plot PI ot

Remarks
I III IV V VL VII

5 % Co. 313 .. I 3 3 2 r = 2, c = 3 In the first 6 plots

r = 3, c = 2 rows = 3

2 ' 4 % Co. 313 .. Very 11 11 r = 3, c = 10 Divisions = 3 i n a

Iarge r = 2, : = 20 I cane and portions
I = 6 in a cane
i

Results for plots analysed in Table V

5% 289

Plot Plot f Plot Plot i PlOt PlOt Plot r Plot Remams

I II III IV i II iii IV

Approx. Approx. i
Co. 299 15 15 9 , Rows = 3

I
Divisions ~ 3 in a
cane

Portions = 6 in a
cane

* Indicates "Impossible"
 Sampling Studies in Sugarcane--IV 283

plots for Co 313, Co 356 and Co 299 analysed in Tables IV and V have
been less than 5~o of the mean except in three plots under Co 299 (vide
Table V). In the data referred to in these two tables, the fibre per cent. of
a cane was represented by the fibre per cent. values of six portions taken
equally from its three divisions, whereas in the data collected subsequently
the fibre per cent. of a cane or of a clump was represented by the fibre per
cent. value of a composite sample. For the sake of comparison with the
results obtained in the subsequent plots it has been considered necessary
to keep in the former plots the number of divisions and portions as they
are in working out the sample sizes.
Since only three rows were taken at random from each of the plots
analysed in Tables IV and V except for plot (7) in Table IV, the number
of rows has not been increased beyond " t h r e e " in working out the sample
sizes for these plots. In Table VIII have been shown the required samples
sizes in terms of the number of canes per row worked out on the basis of
289 and 570 error margin. In some plots, the contribution to the error
per cent. made by rows has been too high to admit of the required reduction
in error by an increase in the number of canes alone. Such cases have
been marked with an asterisk(*). This contingency has occurred mostly
under the error margin of 289 and brings out the necessity for a larger
representation of rows in the random sample.
Similar combinations of rows, clumps and canes have also been worked
out in respect of the random samples taken from the data of complete
enumeration of Co 313 and Co 299. The table given below shows the
combination worked out on the basis of 570 error. Combinations on the
basis of 289 error are not possible on account of the reasons furnished in
the preceding paragraph.

Co 313 C o 299

Rows Clumps Canes Rows Clums Caries

3 19 I 3 64 1

3 15 2 3 44 9~

6 4 1 6 4 1

6 4 2 6 3 2

In the plots analysed in Tables IV and V, canes were selected in a

row in such a manner that no two canes were taken from the same clumps:
284 K . L . Khanna and others

TABLE IX
Number of clumps to be selected from each row so that S.E. may not exceed
289 and 5% of the mean
Results for plots analysed in Table VII
Data collected during January
s% 389
! |

Plot I PlotII[PlotIII PlotIV PlotI PlotII Plot III[PlotIV Remarks

I #

C o 313 Q @
3 2 2 2 12 6 I 7 11
* $
Co 299 Q D i 3 3 3 Very Rows ~
large
$
~o 356 O @ 3 3 3 19 19 J

Data collected during March

5% 389

Plot I Plot II lPlot

1

III Plot IV Plot I Plot II ]Plot III Plot IV Remarks

Co 313 .. Zl 3 zl Zl 10 4 7

Co 299

Co 356
Zl

Zl
Zl

5
Zl Zl

/1
4

11
4 4

2
~ Rows--

Results for plots analysed in Table VII

Data collected during January
5% 289

Plot I Plot II Plot III Plot IV Plot I PlotII Plot III Plot IV Remarks

I
Co 313 ~ 9 2 zl /1 /1 6 3 4 5 ]
I
Co 299 I 9 Zl Zl zl /1 6 10 10 10 ~- Rows = r
i I
Co 356 Q 6 3 2 2 ! 2 14 5 7 5 i

Data collected during March

s% 389
Plot I Plot I I Plot IIl~ Plot IV Plot I Plot I I Plot I I I Plot I V Remarks

Co 313 g 9 Zl 2 zl zl 5 )
I
Co 299 I g tl /1 Zl /1 2 ~- Rows = r
I
Co 356 I 6 Jl 2 2 ,'1 10 J

* Indicates Impossible
 Sampling Studies in Sugarcane--IV 285

Therefore, the results given in the first line of the above table might be
compared with those set out in Table VIII.
In view of the large variations in individual canes due to differences
in their ages it is necessary to take a clump, which represents all age groups
so far as the progeny of a planted set is concerned, as a basis for recom-
mending suitable sample size for fibre determination; and for this purpose
the plots analysed in Table VII have been selected. Combinations of rows
and clump have been worked out on the basis of 289 and 5~o errors and
shown in Table IX where all the three varieties, viz., early, medium-early
and mid-season have been represented.
For an 1/40th acre plot, of which the number of rows would not exceed
6 or 7, the following sampling sizes may be recommended. Range o f
variation in the sizes has been indicated for each variety. The number of
rows has been kept constant at 6, as it was pointed out before that rows
should be given as large a representation as possible.

Error margin of 5 ~ Error margin of 2~6%

Rows X Clumps = No. of Clumps Rows X Clumps = No. o f C l u m p s

..~ 6 x 1 = 6 1 6x 2 =12
C o 313
6x2 =12 6X 6 =36

] fix 2 •lg
Co 299 .. 6 x 1 = 6
J 6x10 =60

"~ 6 x l =6 6 x 2 =12
Co 356 .. }"
J 6x2 =12 I 6 x 14 --- 84

The size of the sample has been shown in terms of the number of clumps,
and it may be recalled here that the mean fibre per cent. value of a clump
is to be determined from a composite sample taken from the different divi-
sions and portions of a cane in the manner as described in Sub-Section VI.
X. SUMMARY OF C O N C L U S I O N S

(1) Sampling studies were undertaken in order to evolve the minimum

sample size for the estimation of fibre per cent. of sugarcane. Material in
respect of Co 313, Co 299 and Co 356 has been examined in the present paper.
(ii) It has been revealed that the mean fibre per cent. in January is
significantly less than the mean fibre per cent. in March. Further, the fibre
per cent. of Co 313 is the least and that of Co 299 the highest. The fibre
per cent. value of Co 356 lies between those of Co 313 and Co 299.
286 K.L. K h a n n a a n d others

(iii) Analysis revealed that the fibre per cent. obtained from a composite
sample taken from a cane agrees very closely with the mean of the fibre
per cent. values of the different sub-samples comprising the composite sample.
(iv) Of the four sources of variation, namely rows, canes, divisions,
and portions, the variation due to canes has been the maximum. This is
understandable in view of the difference in the ages of the daughter shoots.
(v) A clump represents all age groups so far as the progeny of a planted
set is concerned and therefore, sampling for fibre has to be confined to whole
clumps drawn from different rows. For an 1/40th acre plot, the rows of
which will not exceed 6 or 7, the required sammpling sizes with the rang of
variation in each variety are indicated below. The fiber per cent. value of
a clump has to be determined from a composite sample as outlined in Sub-
Section VI.

Error margin of 5% Error margin of 2 ~ %

Rows • Clumps = No. of Clumps Rows X Clumps = No. of Clumps

l 6 x 1 = 6 1 6 x 2 =12
Co 313 Q 9 (
J 6• =12 J 6 x 6 =36

1 6x 2 = 12
Co 299 .. 6 x 1 = 6
J 6 x 10 = 60

..l 6 x 1 = 1 l 6x 2 =12
Co 356
J 6x2 =12 6 x 14 = 84

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The work was carried out as part of the Sugarcane Research Scheme
being financed jointly by the Bihar Government and the Indian Central
Sugarcane Committee to whom grateful thanks are due. The assistance
rendered by Mr. M. Farooque, Senior Chemical Assistant in Estimation
of Fibre Content, is also acknowledged.
REFERENCES
1. Daubert .. Facts About Sugar, 1939, 34, 11, 38-39.
2, Davis, M . B . .. Proc. 2nd Ann. Conf. Q.S.S.C.T., 1936, 54-57.
3. Kerr, H . W . .. I . S . J . , 1939, 41, 486, 227-30.
4. ---- and Cassidy, N . G . .. Bull. Bur. Sug. Expt. Sta., Queensland, 1937, 2.
5. Mahalanobis, P . C . .. Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc., London, 1944, 231, 327-451.
6. Moberley, G . S . .. Proc. 9th Cong. S. Aft. Sug. Technol. Assn., 1935, 61-64.
7. Deerr, Noel .. Handbook Sug. TechnoL Assn., India, 1928.
8. Ryan, W . J . .. Proc. 3rd Ann. Conf. Q.S.S.C.T., 1937, 26-27,
9. Roy, S. N. and Banerjee, K. S . . , Science and Culture, 1940, 6, 3, 189.
 APPENDIX
DETERMINATION OF FIBRE CONTENT

(Method Employed by Kerr and Cassidy)

Sticks shall be taken from sample trucks in amounts approximating
to the same weight from each such truck. When a class of a variety is
estimated to constitute 50 per cwt. or more of the Cane supply, a determina-
tion shall be made daily, on five days of each work, when 25 per cent. to
50 per cent. of the supply, twice a week; when under 25 per cent. at least once
a week. Provided that, when a class of variety is estimated to contribute
less than 5 per cent. of the supply, a composite sample shall be made from
all such varieties which shall be known as " M I X E D ".
For the purpose of this regulation a " Class" shall be constituted by
any one of the following: Green plant, green ratoons, burnt plant, or
ratoons.
Alternate methods of sub-sampling shall be as follows:
(i) Sticks are arranged in order of descending length on the ground
with tops all facing in own direction, and each stick is then out into three
sections without being displaced from its position. The group is then sub-
sampled by taking the first, fourth, seventh, i.e., from the " t o p " sections,
the second, fifth, eighth, etc., from the ' m i d d l e ' sections and the third, sixth
ninth, etc., from the " r o o t " section. These bundles are kept separate.
Top and bottom halves of alternate sections are fibrated. (ii) Sticks are
laid side by side half with butts facing alternatively in opposite directions,
and each stick is marked with Chalk or Knife cut as nearly as can be judged
at the middle point. A top half and a butt half are fibrated alternatively
stopping each time at the marked centre and discarding the half which has
served as a handle. Each stick originally selected should be a whole cane.
If any stick be inconveniently long, part of the half not to be fibrated may
be removed, leaving a foot or so to serve as a handle, which should be dis-
carded after fibrating of the eligible half. The fibrated portion of each stick
should be as nearly as possible a true half.
The fibrated material is thoroughly and quickly mixed, and a portion
weighed out for analysis. Every precaution must be taken to keep the
edges of the fibre top in a sharp condition and to maintain the necessary
287
288 K . L . Khanna and others
speed to ensure that the cane treated will be finely and satisfactorily
shredded.
One hundred grammes are weighed into calico bags placed in suitable
tins to prevent evaporation while weighing. The bags are placed in cold
running water and squeezed by hand several times during one hour, and
then they are immersed in circulating boiling water for one hour, during
which time they are removed and squeezed four times. The bags are then
pressed to eliminate surplus water and dried to a constant weight at a
temperature of from 100 tO 105 degrees Centigrade.

418.80 Psnnted at T h e Ban~81ore Press. BanJalo~o C1tu by Q. S r m i v u a Rso, Sune~ut~mdsnt

8rid Publi~d~ed by The Indmu Amtdemv of Smenees. Bendalo~o
.&'. L, IChal,v:a a,zd Proc. IJzd. .4crag 5"ci , g, voL X . Y X I r P/. U I I I
othezs

Shcwing Electric Shredd:r employed in Fibre Estimation work