International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 71-79 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 77 Soil and Water Impacts: The heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides in sugarcane cultivation has also led to soil degradation and water pollution. These chemicals can leach into local water bodies, affecting both water quality and aquatic life. Furthermore, the high water demand for sugarcane irrigation often leads to over-extraction of groundwater, which can exacerbate water scarcity issues in already water-stressed areas. 6.3 Australia: conflict between sugarcane cultivation and great barrier reef preservation In Australia, the state of Queensland is a major sugarcane producer. The proximity of sugarcane fields to the Great Barrier Reef has led to significant environmental conflicts, primarily due to the runoff of nutrients, pesticides, and sediments into the reef. Impact on the Reef: Runoff from sugarcane fields carries nutrients and pesticides into the Great Barrier Reef’s waters. These substances can promote the growth of algae, which competes with coral for light and space, leading to coral bleaching and degradation of reef health. Sediment runoff can also smother coral and reduce water quality, further stressing the reef ecosystem. Conservation Efforts: Efforts to mitigate these impacts include the implementation of best management practices among sugarcane farmers, such as improved irrigation techniques, controlled use of fertilizers and pesticides, and maintaining buffer zones to reduce runoff. Additionally, government and non-governmental organizations are working to enhance awareness and compliance with sustainable practices to protect this vital natural resource. The case studies from Brazil, India, and Australia highlight the complex interplay between agricultural expansion, particularly sugarcane cultivation, and environmental sustainability. 7 Concluding Remarks The expansion of sugarcane cultivation has profound impacts on the environment, biodiversity, and local communities across different regions of the world. This essay has explored various dimensions of these impacts through detailed case studies and a broad review of academic literature. Brazil: In Brazil, the Cerrado and Amazon regions have experienced significant environmental changes due to sugarcane expansion. The conversion of native vegetation to sugarcane fields has led to losses in biodiversity, particularly in soil fauna, which are crucial for nutrient cycling and soil structure. Additionally, changes in land use have altered water resources and local climate conditions, impacting both ecological and human communities. India: The ecological impacts in India are marked by reduced local biodiversity and environmental degradation due to intensive agricultural practices. The widespread use of water for irrigation and chemicals for pest control has led to habitat degradation, soil health decline, and pollution of water bodies, thereby affecting the broader ecosystem services essential for agriculture and human well-being. Australia: In Australia, particularly in Queensland, sugarcane cultivation poses a threat to the Great Barrier Reef due to runoff containing nutrients and pesticides. This runoff leads to algal blooms and coral bleaching, thereby compromising the reef’s ecological health and its capacity to support marine life. The review has underscored the critical need for sustainable agricultural practices and robust environmental policies to mitigate the adverse impacts of sugarcane cultivation. To address the challenges posed by sugarcane expansion, it is essential to adopt a multi-faceted approach involving policy intervention, community engagement, and scientific research. The following recommendations are proposed: 1) Enhance Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Promote and incentivize the adoption of sustainable farming practices among sugarcane producers. These practices include precision agriculture, use of organic fertilizers, integrated pest management, and water-efficient irrigation systems that can help reduce the environmental footprint of sugarcane cultivation.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==