Effect of vinasse (spentwash) on quality of soil and sugarcane- A review

Vinasse produced by fermentation of molasses has to be paid particular attention due to its potentially huge impacts. The chemical composition of vinasse differs depending upon the soil, sugarcane variety, harvesting method and industrial method of ethanol production. For obvious reasons, as per the Indian Law, there are restrictions on its disposal in water bodies. Detailed and extensive studies and field experiments on soil and crop mostly show that vinasse is excellent manure which not only positively affects the physico-chemical properties of the soil but also helps in increasing the sugarcane yield. But due to some objectionable characteristics (low pH, high biochemical oxygen demand etc.), its judicious use is essential.