Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.1, 37-44 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 39 2.2 Innovations in processing technology Advancements in processing technology are crucial for reducing the environmental footprint of sugarcane processing. The valorization of waste and by-products from sugarcane processing contributes to sustainable development and a circular bioeconomy. Technologies for waste valorization range from well-established to innovative ones still in development (Rabelo et al., 2020). These technologies aim to transform waste into biofuels and other value-added products, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability and contributing to human health. Mechanized farming combined with cane trash utilization for power generation has been identified as a highly eco-efficient system, improving the value added of the biorefinery while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. 2.3 Impact assessment Evaluating the effectiveness of sustainable practices and technologies is critical for reducing the environmental footprint of sugarcane production. Life cycle assessment (LCA) approaches have been used to model the primary energy inputs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with sugarcane production in South Africa, demonstrating that green cane harvesting can reduce energy inputs and emissions significantly. In Brazil, non-burning sugarcane harvesting has been identified as a win-win strategy, benefiting both agronomic and environmental aspects, although issues such as soil compaction remain. Furthermore, the eco-efficiency indicator has been used to assess the combined environmental and economic sustainability of sugarcane biorefineries (Sydney et al., 2021), with scenarios involving mechanized farming and cane trash utilization showing the highest eco-efficiency. These assessments highlight the potential for sustainable sugarcane production to contribute to environmental protection while maintaining economic viability. 3 Economic Perspectives on Sustainability 3.1 Cost-effectiveness of sustainable practices The economic viability of implementing sustainable practices in sugarcane processing is multifaceted. Sustainable practices, such as the adoption of best management practices including conservation tillage and sustainable crop residue management, can enhance soil health and carbon sequestration, which are vital for long-term productivity (Cherubin et al., 2021). The transition from low-productivity pastures to sugarcane cultivation, particularly in Brazil, has been identified as a sustainable pathway that not only increases bioenergy production but also improves soil health over time. Moreover, the valorization of waste and by-products from sugarcane processing contributes to the sustainability of the environment, agriculture, and human health, while also providing economic benefits by transforming waste into valuable resources. The adoption of green technologies in sugarcane production, such as nutrient management strategies and crop residue recycling, can reduce the cost of production and improve soil health, thereby enhancing cane yield and sugar recovery (Shukla et al., 2019). 3.2 Economic benefits In the long term, sustainable sugarcane processing practices can lead to improved efficiency and better product quality. The utilization of sugarcane industrial by-products in agriculture can replace chemical fertilization, which is cost-effective and eco-friendly, leading to value-added soil properties and increased crop yield (Raza et al., 2021). Additionally, sustainable nutrient management in sugarcane fields can maintain productivity in the long term, ensuring profitability (Kusumawati and Alam, 2021). Mechanized sugarcane production systems, which include the recovery of straw, have been associated with lower ethanol production costs and higher internal rates of return due to increased ethanol yield and electricity surplus, indicating significant economic benefits. 3.3 Policy and incentives Governmental policies and economic incentives play a crucial role in promoting sustainability in sugarcane processing. Public policies and well-designed legal frameworks, such as the Forest Code and the RenovaBio legislations in Brazil, are necessary to make bioenergy production compatible with rational land use and protection (Cherubin et al., 2021). The economic viability of sugarcane cultivation is also influenced by the benefits provided to growers, such as secure markets and subsidized inputs, which are often supported by government policies (Abnave, 2021). However, the economic viability analysis indicates that while sugarcane
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