International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 43-51 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 44 al., 2018; Gallo et al., 2022). In light of these challenges, there is a pressing need to understand the dynamics of soil degradation and erosion in sugarcane cultivation and to develop sustainable management practices. Such practices may include the adoption of minimum tillage, the maintenance of crop residues on the field, and the implementation of soil conservation measures to enhance organic matter content and improve soil structure (Bengtson et al., 2006; Cherubin et al., 2016; Bordonal et al., 2018; Gallo et al., 2022). This study aims to explore the potential relationship between sugarcane cultivation and soil degradation and erosion, analyze the impact mechanism of sugarcane cultivation on soil environment, and propose corresponding prevention and control measures and management strategies. This is of great significance for protecting soil resources, maintaining ecological balance, and promoting sustainable agricultural development. At the same time, it can also provide reference and inspiration for the cultivation of other sugar crops and crops. 1 The Relationship Between Sugarcane Cultivation and Soil Degradation 1.1 Effects of sugarcane cultivation on soil physical properties Sugarcane cultivation has been identified as a significant factor influencing soil physical properties, with various studies highlighting the detrimental effects on soil structure and function. The expansion of sugarcane for biofuel feedstock production, particularly in Brazil, has led to land-use changes that have impacted soil physical quality. Intensive mechanization associated with sugarcane production has been shown to increase soil compaction, which in turn reduces macroporosity, microporosity, and total porosity, leading to decreased aeration porosity and water hydraulic conductivity. These changes create an unbalanced ratio between waterand air-filled pore space, which can compromise the soil’s capacity to perform its physical functions (Cherubin et al., 2016). Long-term sugarcane cultivation has also been reported to result in higher bulk density and lower structural stability, particularly in fine-textured soils. This can lead to the formation of a dense compacted layer, which further exacerbates the reduction in the number of macropores and structural stability, indicating a significant alteration in soil physical properties due to prolonged cultivation (Barzegar et al., 2005). The shift from traditional practices of burning sugarcane fields before harvest to mechanized harvesting has also been studied. While this change aims to reduce environmental concerns related to emissions during burning, it has been observed that different sugarcane management systems can influence the potential production of greenhouse gases in the soil, which indirectly suggests changes in soil physical conditions (Tavares et al., 2018). Moreover, the use of sugarcane byproducts, such as vinasse, has been scrutinized for its environmental implications. The application of vinasse to soils can alter their physical-chemical properties, potentially leading to soil degradation if not managed properly (Christofoletti et al., 2013). 1.2 Effects of sugarcane cultivation on soil chemical properties Sugarcane cultivation has been identified as a significant factor influencing soil chemical properties, with various management practices leading to different outcomes. The shift from traditional burning to mechanized harvesting of sugarcane has been shown to affect soil greenhouse gas (GHG) production, with a noted impact on the potential production of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the soil (Tavares et al., 2018). This change in practice has implications for soil organic matter content, as the presence of sugarcane residue on the soil surface can alter CO2 emission patterns (Tavares et al., 2018). The use of sugarcane vinasse, a by-product of ethanol production, as a soil amendment has been reported to alter the chemical composition of soils. Its application can lead to soil acidification, changes in electrical conductivity, and the presence of chemical elements that may affect soil nutrient levels (Christofoletti et al., 2013). Moreover, the substitution of chemical fertilizers with industrial wastes like vinasse and filter cake from ethanol production has been explored as a means to improve the environmental performance of ethanol. This practice can influence soil nutrient dynamics, potentially reducing soil nutrient loss and mitigating some negative environmental impacts (Moore et al., 2017).
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