International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 43-51 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 49 5Outlook The expansion of sugarcane cultivation, particularly for biofuel production, has led to land-use changes with significant impacts on soil physical quality. In Brazil, the conversion from native vegetation or degraded pastures to sugarcane fields has resulted in increased soil compaction, decreased aeration porosity, and reduced water hydraulic conductivity, leading to an imbalance between water- and air-filled pore space in the soil (Cherubin et al., 2016). While tillage operations during sugarcane replanting have a short-term positive effect on soil physical quality, they can decrease resistance to erosion and structural degradation over time (Cherubin et al., 2016). Sustainable sugarcane cultivation practices in Thailand suggest that managing fertilizer and agro-chemical applications, increasing yields, and zoning agricultural crops could improve sustainability (Prasara and Gheewala, 2016). However, mechanized harvesting, while reducing production costs, is associated with increased environmental impacts and reduced employment (Prasara and Gheewala, 2016). The future of sustainable sugarcane cultivation lies in the adoption of best management practices that mitigate negative environmental impacts. This includes conservation tillage, sustainable crop residue management, rational fertilization, and recycling by-products (Cherubin et al., 2021). The transition from low-productivity pastures to sugarcane cultivation can enhance soil health and carbon sequestration, although challenges such as soil compaction, biodiversity loss, and erosion remain (Cherubin et al., 2021). Spatial variation in environmental impacts due to sugarcane expansion in Brazil indicates that strategies should be developed to mitigate negative effects and enhance positive ones for future expansion (Vera et al., 2020). Additionally, the impact of climate change on sugarcane production must be considered, with strategies proposed to mitigate negative impacts and improve sustainability and profitability (Zhao and Li, 2015). Future research should focus on the long-term effects of land-use change on soil properties and the development of sustainable management practices that can maintain or improve soil quality (Cherubin et al., 2016). Studies on the socio-economic impacts of sugarcane cultivation, such as employment generation, worker income, wages, and working conditions, are also crucial (Prasara and Gheewala, 2016). Research on the impact of sugarcane cultivation on greenhouse gas emissions is necessary, with a focus on different management systems such as pre-harvest burn and mechanical, unburnt harvest (Rachid et al., 2012; Tavares et al., 2018). Additionally, the role of sugarcane-derived bioenergy in mitigating global warming and climate change should be further explored, considering the potential for large-scale land-use change and its effects on the environment and socio-economic factors (Cherubin et al., 2021). Lastly, system dynamics models could be used to estimate the environmental effects of irrigation, pest, and weed control in both traditional and organic sugarcane crops, providing insights into the depletion of water resources and soil contamination (Racines et al., 2022). This approach could support decision-making by considering additional aspects that affect crop yield, profit margin, and volatility (Racines et al., 2022). Acknowledgments Sincere thanks to the peer reviewers for their valuable guidance on the initial draft of this article. Their constructive suggestions have played an important role in improving the quality of the manuscript. Funding This project was funded by the Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources under the contract for the research project “Screening and Breeding of Sugarcane Resources” (Grant No. H20230101). Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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