Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.4, 191-200 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 197 In conclusion, while BNF, organic fertilizers, and INM each have their unique advantages, integrating these practices can provide a comprehensive approach to sustainable sugarcane cultivation. By leveraging the strengths of each method, it is possible to achieve high yields, improve soil health, and reduce environmental impacts. Figure 3 Variation in shoot length, stalk number per stool and brix (%) of S. spontaneum accessions Values are mean of 6 independent measurements; shoot length l.s.d. 15.4, p < 0.001; shoot number l.s.d. 1.2, p < 0.001; brix l.s.d. 1.09, p < 0.001 (Adopted from Luo et al., 2023) 6 Policy and Management Implications 6.1 Encouraging BNF adoption in sugarcane cultivation The adoption of Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) in sugarcane cultivation can significantly reduce the dependency on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Research has shown that inoculating sugarcane with diazotrophic bacteria can enhance nitrogen acquisition and improve crop yields (Martins et al., 2020; Pereira et al., 2020). Additionally, the use of legume cover crops has been demonstrated to increase soil nitrogen storage and microbial biomass, which in turn boosts sugarcane yields without the need for additional synthetic fertilizers (Tenelli et al., 2021). To encourage the adoption of BNF, it is essential to educate farmers about the benefits of using nitrogen-fixing microorganisms and provide them with access to high-quality biofertilizers. 6.2 Government policies and subsidies Government policies and subsidies play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. To support the adoption of BNF in sugarcane cultivation, governments can offer financial incentives for farmers who use biofertilizers and adopt nitrogen-fixing cover crops. Subsidies for research and development of efficient nitrogen-fixing microorganisms can also accelerate the commercialization of these biofertilizers (Soumare et al., 2020). Additionally, policies that promote the use of environmentally friendly agricultural practices, such as reducing synthetic fertilizer use, can further encourage the adoption of BNF (Luo et al., 2023).
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