International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 43-51 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 43 Feature Review Open Access Environmental Impacts of Sugarcane Cultivation: Soil Degradation and Erosion Dynamics AmengLi 1, Jianquan Li 2 1 CRO Service Station, Sanya Tihitar SciTech Breeding Service Inc., Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China 2 Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources (HITAR), Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: jianquanli@hitar.org International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2024, Vol.14, No.1 doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0007 Received: 06 Jan., 2024 Accepted: 14 Feb., 2024 Published: 27 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li and Li, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Li A.M., and Li J.Q., 2024, Environmental impacts of sugarcane cultivation soil degradation and erosion dynamics, International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 14(1): 43-51 (doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0007) Abstract As an important sugar crop, sugarcane is widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. However, its cultivation process may have adverse effects on soil structure, nutrients, and ecological balance. Soil degradation and erosion, as important environmental issues, not only threaten the sustainability of agricultural production, but also pose challenges to the stability of ecosystems. This study delves into the specific impacts of sugarcane cultivation activities on soil environment, particularly the dynamic changes in soil degradation and erosion. By revealing the potential link between sugarcane cultivation and soil degradation and erosion, research has found that unreasonable planting methods and management measures, such as excessive tillage, unreasonable fertilization, and irrigation, may accelerate the process of soil degradation and erosion. At the same time, corresponding prevention and control strategies and management suggestions were proposed, aiming to reduce the negative impact of sugarcane cultivation on the soil environment, promote sustainable agricultural development, and have important significance for protecting soil resources, maintaining ecological balance, and promoting sustainable agricultural development. Keywords Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum); Soil degradation; Soil erosion; Environmental impact; Sustainable agricultural development Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) cultivation is a globally significant agricultural activity, not only for its role in providing sugar but also as a source of bioethanol, a renewable energy resource. The crop’s importance is underscored by its extensive cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with Brazil being a major producer. The expansion of sugarcane production has been driven by the increasing demand for bioenergy, which aims to reduce dependency on crude oil and mitigate climate change (Bordonal et al., 2018). However, the intensification and expansion of sugarcane cultivation raise concerns about the environmental impacts, particularly soil degradation and erosion. Soil degradation refers to the decline in soil quality and productivity, which can result from various factors, including compaction, loss of soil structure, nutrient depletion, and increased salinity. Erosion, a related process, involves the removal of the topsoil by water, wind, or tillage, leading to further degradation and reduced agricultural productivity (Bengtson et al., 2006; Cherubin et al., 2016; Gallo et al., 2022). The link between sugarcane cultivation and soil degradation is multifaceted. The conversion of native ecosystems or degraded pastures to sugarcane fields can lead to increased soil compaction, reduced porosity, and diminished water infiltration, which in turn can exacerbate erosion risks (Cherubin et al., 2016). Moreover, the removal of sugarcane residue, which could otherwise protect the soil surface, has been associated with increased soil erosion, as the protective organic layer is diminished, leaving the soil more vulnerable to water and wind forces (Bengtson et al., 2006; Gallo et al., 2022). The impact of these processes on the environment and agricultural production is profound. Soil degradation and erosion can lead to a decline in crop yields, loss of soil biodiversity, and reduced water quality due to sedimentation and nutrient runoff. These changes not only threaten the sustainability of sugarcane production but also have broader implications for ecosystem services and food security (Bengtson et al., 2006; Bordonal et
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